Rapid Ready Roundup: 3D Systems, Typography, Merger News and Superheroes

In the course of my diligent efforts to keep you good people up to date on the state of additive manufacturing, I come across many interesting news items. I’ll gather them up once every few weeks and present them in a Rapid Ready Roundup (like this one). You can find the last Roundup here.

3D Systems has added another company to its vast portfolio by acquiring My Robot Nation (MRN). The main draw of MRN (other than robots) for 3D Systems is its simple creation UI that allows customers to design a personalized robot that is then built with a 3D printer. 3D Systems intends to incorporate the UI into its Cubify site.

“Everyone is creative, and everyone can create – we all just need a fun and easy way to get started. Bringing the MRN creation platform to Cubify does just that,” said Sarah W. Stocker, co-founder of My Robot Nation. “YouTube, Facebook and Twitter show us how creative everyone can be digitally – now Cubify gives people an amazing new way to bring that creativity into reality.”

Next we have another new use for 3D printing. Designer Luca Ionescu used a selective laser sintering machine to create personalized typography. The pieces created are part of his display at the “There Goes the Neighbourhood” exhibition at The Tate Gallery in Glebe, Sydney, Australia. The CAD design process of 3D printing allows for complex sculptures to be built fairly quickly, makes for easy reproduction, and can use durable materials.

We have some merger news here today as well. No, not that merger. Polymer Corp. and Black Diamond Manufacturing have announced the two companies will merge. Black Diamond Manufacturing will bring its cast polyurethane business and rapid prototyping expertise to enhance Polymer Corp.’s liquid resin casting process.

While it’s true that this particular merger isn’t as earth shaking as Stratasys/Objet, it still has a story to tell. I tend to think we’ll see more of this particular type of merger in the future. Rather than invest time and energy into developing an additive manufacturing (AM) arm, I expect companies will look around for smaller, compatible companies to acquire.

Finally, have you ever dreamed of being a superhero? 3D printing can make your dreams come true! Sort of. Online retailer Firebox is offering DIY personalized superhero figurines. Customers send in a picture, their face is converted to CAD and then printed out. Firebox sends the 3D printed head along with the DIY kit back to the customer, who can then plop their likeness on top of nearly any similarly sized actions figure. Becoming Batman took Bruce Wayne years, but all you need to do is pay $129.

Below you’ll find a video about My Robot Nation.

Sources: Firebox, Plastic News, 3D Systems, ferret