Autodesk 123d is one of many freely-available apps that new MakerBot users might consider learning.  And unlike some other programs we love, it looks like Autodesk wants it to be easy to print your models on a MakerBot.  In fact, they want it so much that they’ve just posted the above video on their youtube channel.

It’s a bit long (over 9 minutes) but put it on your list for when you’re woodshedding your 3d-modeling chops.  While it’s specifically aimed at the Thing-O-Matic, most of what they’re saying should transfer to the Replicator.  Just model for a larger build area!

123d is a bit different from other modeling programs, and might be a bit counter-intuitive if you’re used to one of the others.  However, their youtube channel has a number of tutorials and there are some neat things about the project (like an iPad app and a photo-to-model program.)

If you’re looking to pick up some 3d modeling skills while you’re waiting for your Replicator, this is one of many great programs to learn!

Or subscribe to our video podcast on iTunes!

The first season of MakerBot TV is now available on DVD! Re-visit your favorite episodes and share them with your friends in the comfort of your own living room. As a token of thanks to our community we are sending complimentary copies of the DVDs to the first 100 people who purchase MakerBot Replicators™. Get yours today and keep it awesome!

Colin Butgereit – one of our Bot Assembling All-Stars – has been assembling Thing-O-Matics for customers from the moment we began offering them eight months ago. He’s gotten faster and faster with each build and can currently build a TOM in a little over an hour. If you’ve assembled a Thing-O-Matic on your own you know that this is pretty impressive! Our production workshop is currently in the process of making the switch from Thing-O-Matics to Replicators so we made sure to spend some time this week documenting one of Colin’s last Thing-O-Matic assemblies. With the simpler, cleaner design of The Replicator there’s no doubt that he’ll be building them at top speed in no time.

Also, pay close attention to the music in used for the video. It’s a song made ENTIRELY FROM MAKERBOT NOISES created by MakerBot Support Wizard Mike Battaglia. Check out more of Mike’s awesome music here.

This all new stop-animation music video was made with Michael Curry’s playset characters and a number of other MakerBot-made pieces! The princesses story was written by MakerBot CEO and co-founder Bre Pettis and the song was written and performed by local Brooklyn musicians Scary Car (Bryan Scary and Giulio Carmassi). It’s fun, it’s catchy, and incredibly awesome!

Tune in at 7:30pm ET: 4:30pm PT to see the live interview with Bre Pettis from the Engadget CES stage!

]]> http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2012/01/13/live-interview-with-makerbots-bre-pettis/feed/ 0 http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2012/01/10/makerbotting-101-how-does-it-work/ http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2012/01/10/makerbotting-101-how-does-it-work/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:42:44 +0000 annelise http://www.makerbot.com/?p=48161 Click here to view the embedded video.

Are you coming across the MakerBot Replicator for the first time? Are you still trying to wrap your head around how a MakerBot works? Are you trying to explain to a friend what a MakerBot is, but frustrated because they still don’t get it? Well stop being frustrated and confused and WATCH THIS VIDEO! This is where MakerBot CEO and Co-founder Bre Pettis explains it all! See the MakerBot Replicator in action for the first time ever! And be amazed!

Michael Colton's Printed 'Copter!

Yesterday I asked for flight videos from ‘copters with printed parts.  Two readers came through:

• Michael Colton was the first to leave a comment with a link to a flight video and even provided the above photo!  Michael says, “The frame (except for the carbon rods), motor mounts, camera mounts, battery tray, etc. are all 3D printed parts of my own design.”  His flight video was part of a documentary earlier this year.  I hereby award Mr. Colton 9000 internet points along with the promised bragging rights for being the first one to send in this video!

Click here to view the embedded video.

• A little later Buzz uploaded a link to his homemade quadcopter.  I just couldn’t not give this guy a mention.  His ‘copter featured printed mounts four IR range sensors.  Unfortunately, he also says this is the first and last video his ‘copter ever provided, suffering a tragic catastrophic fall at the end of the video.  The last part of this video is nearly heartbreaking.  You may just not want to watch past 8:02.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I suppose “smoke and mirrors” isn’t exactly how this 3D effect is created – but it’s not entirely inaccurate either.  Using a combination of cold fog and a laser projector the makers of DisplAir can achieve a decent looking and interactive 3D projection system. ¹ The implication I find the most interesting is the possibility of an interactive 3D display for use with 3D modelling.  Such a system would seem like it could be a very intuitive way for anyone to design 3d models.

Hat tip to SlashDot!

1. Plus, I mean, c’mon!  They’re using frickin’ laser beams!