Latest news with #3DPrinting
CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Sudburian builds fleet of Star Wars droids as a hobby
Sudbury man makes Star Wars droids as a hobby 5 days ago Duration 1:37 Social Sharing If you're a Star Wars fan in the Sudbury, Ont., area, these might be the droids you're looking for. Since 2019, software engineer Patrick Ryan has embraced the art of building droids, the robot characters from Star Wars. His creations have grown in complexity, and now he brings them to multiple conventions each year, letting fans interact with real-life versions of their favourite fictional characters. "I just love the aesthetic of them," said Ryan. "Kids especially, they just think it's real." Ryan's creations have grown in complexity since his first build in 2019. His first project was an MSE-6 repair droid—sometimes called a 'mouse droid'—which was built on an old remote control car. But his signature piece is a BB-8 droid, a much more complex creation from 2015's The Force Awakens. The main body of the droid is the rough size and shape of a soccer ball, but a floating 'head' piece rests on the top of the robot as the ball rolls freely underneath. "It doesn't look like it should work. It does look like magic," Ryan said. A lifelong passion for electronics Ryan uses 3D printing to create the parts for his droids and hides an array of electronic components inside the robots to enable their various functions, from movement to sounds. He estimates the BB-8 cost more than $1,000 to build, a process which lasted a year and a half. However, he didn't have to develop the blueprints from the ground up. An online community of droid-builders share their plans so others can recreate and upgrade their own droids. Ryan developed an improved circuit board to reduce the mess of wires inside, and also add an MP3 audio player to reproduce the droids' sound effects. He then shared those board designs back to the group so future builders could benefit from his work. Ryan studied electronics in college after growing up tinkering with gadgets of all kinds. He now works as a software developer. Having grown up in the 1980s, Ryan said he has always been exposed to Star Wars, but it was the 2015 sequel trilogy that reignited his passion for the franchise. That's what linked him back to his passion for electronics. Droids more advanced than movie props Ryan's latest creation is known as a B2EMO. He said the build process was similar, since other builder-groups exist with pre-made plans that he could 3D print and program. However, this unit is a relatively new addition to the Star Wars franchise, so few other models exist. An added challenge is that, during the filming, the droids were often not functional at all. Instead, puppeteers manipulated the robots and were edited out of the shot in post-production. "In the case of BB-8, there was never one that was operated, like you see with mine. It's just, it's so complicated," said Ryan. "Anytime it encounters a bump, the head falls off." However, the film team did complete a functional, remote-controlled BB-8 prototype in time for the film's red carpet premiere. As someone with a successful build, many people take notice of Ryan and his BB-8 at fan conventions. The puppeteer who worked on the set of Star Wars met Ryan at Toronto Comicon, and used Ryan's droid for fan photos. Ryan also has a photo with his BB-8 and television personality Adam Savage. Ryan said he knows of two other droid-builders in the Sudbury area, but he suspects more may exist. Although Sudbury's Graphic-Con is often the best way to see Ryan's droids in person, the event was cancelled this summer. The next chance for the public to meet Ryan and his creations will be at Fan Expo in Toronto in August.
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Bamboo Lab A1 budget 3D printer review
Is it possible for a budget 3D printer to deliver high-quality results without compromising on ease of use? The Bamboo Lab A1 Mini boldly claims to do just that, positioning itself as an affordable yet capable choice for hobbyists and small-scale creators. With its compact design, quiet operation, and focus on producing standout PLA prints, this printer seems to promise a lot for its price. But does it truly live up to the hype, or are there trade-offs lurking beneath its sleek exterior? In this rundown of the Bamboo Lab A1 Mini, we'll explore whether this entry-level printer can balance affordability with performance—or if its limitations outweigh its strengths. Throughout this review by Optimum, you'll discover what makes the A1 Mini a practical choice for PLA enthusiasts, as well as where it falls short for users seeking versatility or advanced features. From its sturdy yet portable build to its intuitive software and print quality, we'll break down the details that matter most to hobbyists and beginners. Whether you're curious about its ability to handle materials beyond PLA or wondering if its compact design sacrifices functionality, this review by optimum will give you the clarity you need. After all, the true test of any budget-friendly device is whether it delivers more than you expect—or just enough to get by. Budget-Friendly 3D Printer Design and Build: Compact and Practical The A1 Mini employs a 'bedslinger' design with a modest build volume of 180mm³, making it ideal for small projects and tight workspaces. Its steel and aluminum frame ensures durability while maintaining a sleek, professional appearance. This combination of materials provides a sturdy foundation for consistent printing while keeping the overall weight manageable for portability. A built-in camera allows for remote monitoring of prints, which is a useful feature for users who want to keep track of progress without being physically present. However, the responsiveness of the camera is less refined compared to higher-end models, which may limit its utility for more intricate projects. The overall design strikes a balance between portability and functionality, making it a practical choice for users who value simplicity without sacrificing quality. Performance: Optimized for PLA The A1 Mini delivers impressive results with PLA, producing high-quality prints even at faster speeds. Features like automatic bed leveling and filament flow calibration enhance reliability, reducing the need for manual adjustments and making sure consistent results. Its quiet operation is another advantage, making it suitable for use in home or office environments where noise levels are a concern. However, the printer's performance with materials such as PETG and nylon composites is more limited. Achieving consistent results with these materials often requires additional equipment, such as a filament dryer, to address moisture-related issues. Furthermore, the lack of an enclosure restricts its ability to handle ABS, as this material is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Without a stable thermal environment, ABS prints are prone to warping or failure. These constraints make the A1 Mini a strong performer for PLA, but less versatile for users seeking to work with advanced materials. Bamboo Lab A1 3D Printer Review Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in 3D printers by exploring our other resources and articles. Software and Usability: Intuitive but Limited The A1 Mini's software is designed with ease of use in mind, offering pre-calibrated settings that simplify the setup process. Adjustable presets for print quality and speed allow users to customize their prints based on specific priorities, whether they value fine detail or faster production times. Advanced features, such as overhang supports and wall order adjustments, provide additional flexibility for tackling more complex designs. Despite these strengths, the absence of a micro LAR sensor means the printer lacks first-layer inspection capabilities. This limitation can impact reliability, particularly for intricate or high-precision projects where the first layer is critical to the overall success of the print. While the software is intuitive and user-friendly, these gaps may pose challenges for users attempting more demanding tasks. Material Compatibility: Best for PLA PLA remains the A1 Mini's standout material, delivering consistent, high-quality results suitable for most general-purpose prints. Its ease of use and reliability make it an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists alike. While the printer does support materials like PETG and nylon composites, achieving optimal results requires careful preparation. For example, a filament dryer is often necessary to prevent moisture-related issues that can compromise print quality. ABS, a popular material for creating high-strength parts, is not recommended for use with the A1 Mini. The lack of an enclosure makes it difficult to maintain the stable printing temperatures required for ABS, leading to issues such as warping or failed prints. These material limitations underscore the A1 Mini's focus on PLA-based applications, making it less suitable for users with more diverse material needs. Key Limitations While the A1 Mini offers several strengths, it also has notable limitations that may affect its appeal for certain users. These include: Slower acceleration compared to higher-end models like the X1 Carbon, which impacts overall print speed and efficiency. compared to higher-end models like the X1 Carbon, which impacts overall print speed and efficiency. A tedious filament loading process that requires patience and precision, potentially frustrating users seeking a more streamlined experience. that requires patience and precision, potentially frustrating users seeking a more streamlined experience. The absence of advanced features such as a micro LAR sensor and an enclosure, which restricts its versatility for demanding or high-performance applications. These factors make the A1 Mini less suited for users with high-performance or large-scale printing needs, positioning it as a more specialized tool for hobbyists and PLA-focused projects. A Practical Choice for PLA Enthusiasts The Bamboo Lab A1 Mini offers a compelling combination of affordability, compact design, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists and users with moderate 3D printing needs. Its quiet operation and intuitive software enhance its appeal for small-scale projects, particularly those focused on PLA. While it lacks the versatility and advanced features of higher-end models, it provides reliable performance at an accessible price point. For users prioritizing simplicity and quality in PLA-based applications, the A1 Mini delivers a practical and dependable solution. Media Credit: optimum Filed Under: Gadgets News, Hardware, Reviews Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
5 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Act Fast to Save Up to $180 on a 3D Printer From Bambu Lab Ahead of Prime Day
If you've been wanting to explore 3D printing to get your creative juices flowing but haven't done so because of its potential costs, we at CNET have great news for you. Bambu Lab is behind some of the most budget-friendly and intuitive lines of 3D printers you can buy today, and you can save up to 40% between now and July 15 thanks to their anniversary sale. Prefer Amazon? Prime members can save up to $270 on select 3D printer combos ahead of Prime Day. Though there are multiple 3D printers available from Bambu Lab, we must highlight the P1P, which was already one of our favorites. With Bambu Lab's current offers you can score the P1P for $399, saving $300 off the usual price of $699. Bambu Lab will also included a free maker's supply kit and starter pack valued at $36. I found this 3D printer better for overall accuracy and loved its strong frame. You can even print cases from the P1P. My other recommendation is the Bambu Lab A1 3D printer, which is down to $339 at Bambu Lab and includes a free maker's supply pack valued at $16. This saves you $60 over its usual asking price. Out of all the Bambu Lab 3D printers I had the chance to test, this one was the easiest to start working with right out of the box. It's easy setup means you can start printing in roughly 10 minutes after unwrapping. If you have less space or need to keep an eye on your budget, then the Bambu Lab A1 mini might be your best bet. At just $219, you save $80 and still get the same benefits of the larger A1. It sets up in roughly 20 minutes and makes a great gift for yourself or someone else at this price. Bambu Lab's deals include flash sales on select printers, filaments and kits, so make sure to browse their full catalog of offers. Looking for a new 3D printer but aren't sure if this deal is for you? Check out our list of the best budget 3D printers for more options. Why this deal matters Bambu Lab is behind some of the best 3D printers available today, and their three-year anniversary deal is rife with offers that will save you up to 40% until July 15. From now until then, you can find savings on their 3D printers, supply kits and filaments. Plus, select purchases also include free gifts so you can start printing right away. Amazon has several combo bundles available for their Amazon Prime members, so purchasing directly from Bambu Lab will give you the most options for now, though we suspect that could change as we get closer to Prime Day.
CNET
21-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
Etsy Is Clamping Down on 3D Printed Products. Here's How It Could Affect You
It feels like everyone needs a side hustle these days. If your hobby can help make you some extra income, it seems like a no-brainer to at least try and do it. 3D printing, laser engraving and using vinyl cutters like the famous Cricut machine all give you a chance to make something beautiful, unique and sellable. Etsy has been the storefront of choice for almost 20 years, and despite other options being available, it still boasts 8.13 million active sellers in 2025, according to a recent Contimod report. Recently, the company has clarified its policies surrounding the "Made by a Seller" category, specifically relating to "items produced using computerized tools." The updates are subtle but could fundamentally change the way a lot of small businesses operate moving forward. Are all of these the same dragon, or are they different enough to be unique? Etsy/Screenshot: James Bricknell/CNET If you've ever searched for 3D-printed dragons on Etsy, you will likely have seen a screen like the one above. While each dragon looks very similar -- they are all articulated with little to no painting -- no two are the exact same. Almost all of the dragons you will see have been made by a small group of designers who license their digital models out to the Etsy seller, who use small print farms, or even single 3D printers, to print the physical model for sale. Etsy's latest update to its company policy around computerized tools has removed a key component that allowed for this type of licensing, leaving many sellers confused as to where they stand. Items produced using computerized tools: Physical items that a seller produced in their personal shop or home, using computerized tools such as a laser printer, 3D printer, CNC or Cricut machine. These items must be produced based on a seller's original design and are often personalized or customized to a buyer's specification. An Etsy spokesperson told me that the above policy has always been Etsy's standard position on products that are made by sellers. The area I have added emphasis to is the part that has been edited. Originally, the Etsy guidelines included the phrase "...or using a templated design or pattern..." which seemed to allow for the use of designs from 3D modelers. By removing this section and keeping the part about the original design, it seems to say that each seller must design the digital file themselves, as well as print it out, post-process it and ship it out. Etsy has said this update in policy is to clarify its position, rather than change it. According to the creative guidelines, an item that doesn't qualify is "A commercially available base item with only superficial alteration, such as addition of a simple, mass-produced stick-on adornment." The sticking point seems to be the "commercially available" part, as a lot of 3D print sellers on Etsy use a commercial license from 3D modelers as a source to create physical models. The business of 3D printing Patreon/Screenshot: James Bricknell/CNET 3D modelers that sell commercial licenses through sites like Patreon, Thangs, and Printables have sprung up over the last few years, to much success and accolades across the 3D printing space. Christian, or CraftyKid3D, as he is known on Patreon and social media, creates 3D models based on books and reading, including beautiful dragon bookends and small book holders to help you hold your paperbacks open. His Patreon has a commercial license tier that allows you to sell physical copies of his digital models online or at craft fairs and farmers' markets. He currently has 860 Patreon subscribers, whose $10 per month subscriptions make up a significant portion of his income. Etsy's updated policy is likely to significantly reduce Christians subscribers' ability to use the models he releases on that platform, causing both his and his subscribers' ability to sustain themselves. Worse, because the policy is vague, Etsy sellers could find themselves in violation by not knowing where the line is drawn. Even Etsy's own customer service seems to be confused, offering contradicting answers to questions asked by sellers. Two different responses to the same questions. CraftyKid3D/STLFlix/Screenshot: James Bricknell/CNET My colleague and fellow 3D printing enthusiast, Russell Holly, said the vagueness may be the point of the phrasing. "I suspect the current guidance is vague on purpose to discourage these mass production groups from making one small change and moving on, but that reality is inevitable." My question in answer to this is, where is the line for making small changes, and who else does it affect? James Bricknell/Russell Holly/CNET These two prints are clearly the same model, but each of us used a different color material and a different level of effort to paint the model in the slicing software. Digital files can be "painted" in the software to assign different colors to certain areas of the print. My copy (at left) is a fairly easy two-tone change to give me a brown front of the house surrounded by green, but Russell's (right) uses different colors and has had more time spent delineating which areas are which colors. This is a digital process to be sure, and not as manual as, say, weeding a Cricut vinyl and sticking it onto a Stanley tumbler, but it still takes time and effort and changes the look and feel in a material way. The question then becomes, what is enough of a change to constitute an original piece? That'll be up to Etsy to decide on a case-by-case basis, which itself offers a lot of issues. Policing a site as big as Etsy is incredibly difficult and relies heavily on IP infringements being reported by the holders of that IP. This isn't the same scenario as the creators of the 3D models actively approve of people using them to produce physical copies, so they wouldn't report the use to Etsy. This means Etsy will have to spend resources on policing these models themselves. It has been said that Etsy uses reports from other sellers to take down IP violations, but in its handbook it states that it doesn't "...accept reports of infringement by just anybody — only from the intellectual property owner or the owner's authorized agent..." so it's unlikely it will go that route, but they will have to do something if they want anything to actually change. In conversation with me and other members of the CraftyKid3D Patreon community -- I am a member, and use his models to test the best 3D printers -- Christian expressed his concern that Etsy would have trouble enforcing this policy change. "Etsy has always been poor on moderation. It's the companies like Universal, Sony, Disney, that will contact Etsy to remove copyright products. But even Etsy can't keep that under control." He went on to say, "Unless they have new tech, I highly doubt they can enforce this...." What does this policy mean for you as a seller? The helmet on the left likely wouldn't be covered by Etsy's policy, but the one on the right would. James Bricknell/CNET If you use Etsy to sell your 3D-printed products, you're going to need to think about what products you make and how much you're willing to alter them. One of the biggest profit considerations is how long it takes to post-process a 3D-printed model. The most profit always comes from something that can be sold with some basic cleanup and not much else, so if you have to spend time and materials to alter a print significantly, your profit margin decreases. Holly said, "If you've printed a cosplay helmet designed by someone else but then gone through the work of sanding and painting and all of that, it's no longer the same thing it was when it came off the printer and would not be subject to this policy." I agree with him that this use case would almost certainly be allowed by Etsy, but we don't have a clear idea if that's true. In this picture, you can see two Mandalorian helmets that I've printed. The one on the left is the original file with no alterations except that I printed it in a soft PLA so my daughter could wear it without fear of breaking it if she dropped it. It took me a little time to remove the supports and clean it up, but I could have sold it for a good profit because it's a different way to print helmets. The one on the right took a lot of time. The steps I had to go through were: Remove the 3D printed supports Sand the whole helmet until smooth Fill any layer lines left over from the first sanding Sand the dried filler so that everything is smooth and even Spray filler/primer over the helmet to create a uniform layer Spray the helmet with a black gloss undercoat Spray the helmet with a silver paint Glue the separate ear pieces on Spray with a clear gloss to protect the silver paint Now, I can sell this second helmet on Etsy. I'm sure the policy would cover this kind of adjustment, and I could even turn a decent profit, but it would be far less than the profit from the first helmet, even though I could charge a lot more for it. I don't think the first helmet would qualify as my original design, though. If your business relies on the files of others, be it articulated dragons from Cinderwing or book nooks from CraftyKid3D, you likely already sell them in other storefronts like Facebook Marketplace or Amazon's handmade site, as well as at physical locations. If you don't, it may be worth diversifying where you sell. There are so many things that we don't know about how Etsy will police its amended policy, that having other revenue avenues is a good idea. It will be interesting to see how far this change will go. Will Cricut makers need to design their own decals instead of buying commercially available SVGs? Will laser-engraving makers need to do the same? The entire maker community uses these kinds of services, and it has empowered a huge business sector that turned hobbies into a legitimate way to make an income. According to Contimod, 34% of all sellers on Etsy cite it as their only source of income so the potential loss is considerable. Etsy isn't the only storefront out there, but it is one of the largest, and its decisions here could have a lasting impact across this sector.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why 3D Systems (DDD) Shares Are Sliding Today
Shares of 3D printing company 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) fell 20.5% in the morning session after the company announced plans to offer $92 million in Convertible Senior Notes to qualified institutional buyers. The stock was likely down due to concerns about the dilutive effect of the notes, which can be converted to the company's ordinary stock, raising the total share count. Also, the notes have a conversion price of approximately $2.24 per share, which represents a premium of roughly 20% over 3D Systems' last trading price of $1.87 per share on June 17, 2025. The shares closed the day at $1.47, down 21.6% from previous close. The stock market overreacts to news, and big price drops can present good opportunities to buy high-quality stocks. Is now the time to buy 3D Systems? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. 3D Systems's shares are extremely volatile and have had 77 moves greater than 5% over the last year. But moves this big are rare even for 3D Systems and indicate this news significantly impacted the market's perception of the business. The previous big move we wrote about was 28 days ago when the stock dropped 5.5% after the major indices fell further in the afternoon (Nasdaq -1.3%, S&P 500 - 1.4%) as Treasury yields rose, reflecting market anxiety over a draft federal budget that could worsen the already wide US fiscal deficit. A poor auction for 20-year U.S. Treasury bonds further raised concerns, as weak demand implies investors are becoming more cautious about holding long-dated U.S. debt. As a reminder, the driver of a stock's value is the sum of its future cash flows discounted back to today. With lower interest rates (yields), investors can apply higher valuations to their stocks; when yields rise, that math works in reverse. Adding to the cautious mood were earnings results from retail giants Target and Lowe's, both of which reported weak earnings that missed expectations, pointing to a potential slowdown in consumer spending and further weighing on sentiment. Lastly, some influential voices such as Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan) and Steve Cohen (Point72) made cautious comments about the market, which can sometimes become self-fulfilling prophecies as investors increase their cautiousness and skittishness. 3D Systems is down 53.4% since the beginning of the year, and at $1.49 per share, it is trading 68.4% below its 52-week high of $4.72 from February 2025. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of 3D Systems's shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $204.67. Today's young investors likely haven't read the timeless lessons in Gorilla Game: Picking Winners In High Technology because it was written more than 20 years ago when Microsoft and Apple were first establishing their supremacy. But if we apply the same principles, then enterprise software stocks leveraging their own generative AI capabilities may well be the Gorillas of the future. So, in that spirit, we are excited to present our Special Free Report on a profitable, fast-growing enterprise software stock that is already riding the automation wave and looking to catch the generative AI next. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
