Do we agree with Mike that 3D printing organs in the home might not be a good thing? I’m all for it. Why not?

We have seen some sensational stuff done on MakerBot technology in the past. This collection from the artist David Hirmes has got to be a quick entry into the hall of fame. Check out “Boolean Buddhas“.

These pieces are all based on a single Buddha head model that was uploaded to Thingiverse back in 2010¹ by Peter Bios. David Hirmes notes that the 3D design file is listed in the public domain, which is important. The licenses available on Thingiverse allow everyone else to adapt the file for other uses. Because of that licensing, he felt free to go wild with this art.

Using the free design program Blender, he mashed up the head with other shapes using boolean operations. A boolean is when you subtract the outer surface of an object from another solid object, leaving a negative space in that shape. Two other boolean operations are “union”, or when you mash two things together, and “intersection”, when you leave only the space that the two objects have in common. David’s graphic explains it much more simply.

Look at the insanely cool shapes he got from this process.

The gold paint looks incredible. And here’s the sweetest part, and the part that we have all come to expect: David has graciously shared his entire process on his own website and put all of the design files up on Thingiverse for you, yes YOU, to play with.

1. Take note! There may be some untapped gems for you to explore from years past! [↩]

So while we’re releasing super serious, completely unfun technologies like The Mixtape, because we are a very serious company, there are artists and toy designers out there making toys on a MakerBot. Can you imagine that? Toys? On a MakerBot?!

Ron English’s “Fat Frankenberry” toy, made into 3D by Dave Bondi

MakerBotted toys, including Dave Bondi’s “Akashi” (in front of The Replicator)

Oh yeah, forgot to mention: they’re gorgeous toys.

This post at Jeremyriad talks about our appearance at San Diego Comic-Con earlier this month, and shows some nice shots of toys designed by our friends Ron English and Dave Bondi.

In distilled essence: MakerBot allows you to think of an object you need (“I just cracked my iPhone inCase case again!”) or come up with your own unique idea (“Ron English-style vinyl toy mascot for Kashi cereal”), bring it into 3D physical reality and multiply it. Whoa.

Collectors of designer toys have been tepid on this technology, but consider the fact that the Replicator lets you print in either ABS (like LEGOs) or PLA (a bio-material made from corn). Not only that, but you can easily replace broken parts and even mint your own accessories. Imagine if your basic ink jet printer laid down fine powder and glue instead of ink and moved vertically instead of horizontally, and you’ll have a simplified understanding of “additive manufacturing”. Vinyl is so Toy Art 1.0.

If you happen to call the MakerBot headquarters today, you should know we’re only listening with one ear. The other one is tuned into this, the new MakerBot Mixtape. Cassette on the outside — yes, made on a MakerBot! — and electronics on the inside.

We just released this in our store this morning and we’re already getting a great response. Let’s face it, being able to #make something that we all thought was extinct is awesome. This Mixtape is updated for modern times and ready for you to drag and drop your favorite mix for that special someone.

Get all the  information about the Mixtape here, including how you can buy a preassembled one from MakerBot! We hope you get one today and share it with the people you love to make memories with.

Make on. Rock on.