Rapid Ready Roundup: RAPID 2013, 3D Printing Down Under, MAKRZ app, and Pez Dispensers

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

Let’s start today’s Roundup with some RAPID talk. SME has issued a call for AM-created artwork to be displayed in the Contemporary Art Gallery during RAPID 2013. The submission deadline is March 4. 

From the press release:

There are two ways artists can participate. Those that have existing works created using additive technologies can submit a photo image of their art. Alternatively, artists can submit new designs in JPG file format for review and consideration to be printed. Submissions will be juried by event advisors for selection and display. All artwork must be durable and stable for display on a 2-foot-square surface pedestal.

Next, Australia is moving along its own AM initiative with its first AM conference. The 3D Printing Expo will be held in Mackay, QLD on June 13. The conference’s main goal is to disseminate information about AM to industry professionals. Speakers include Dr. Mark Hodge from the Defense Materials Technology Centre, John Barnes from CSIRO and Mitchell Benness from 3D Systems.

“What computing did for information in the virtual world, 3D printing and additive manufacture is now doing for manufacture in the real world,” said event coordinator, Lila Clarke. “The reason for choosing Mackay instead of a major city is that there are more engineers by population ratio than any other city in Australia. There is a significant mining boom and extensive support surrounding it.”

Moving on, 3D printer manufacturer Printrbot has backed a new app for iOS devices named MAKRZ. The app allows users to flip through open source CAD files and download designs. Downloads are routed to Dropbox, making it fairly simple to retrieve the information to begin printing.

According to the MAKRZ site, features include:

• High-resolution preview images.
• All Sketchup files are automatically rendered in the same high quality format.
• Gesture-based navigation. Swipe right or left to scroll through featured files.
• Landscape or horizontal viewing modes.
• Download Queue and Download history.
• Download one file or use a Download All button
• View frequently updated Featured models
• New and noteworthy items based on recent uploads
• Popular items based on actual downloads

Finally, you’ve probably heard about AM services that offer to print out a replica of your head. Hot Pop Factory has gone one better by filling your likeness with candy like a cabeza piñata. Inspired by a client’s request to create a unique gift, Hot Pop Factory scanned in people’s noggins with a Kinect and printed out Pez dispensers. With a little tweaking, the dispensers actually spit out the dubious delights. Sadly, the company doesn’t plan on adding this particular product to their catalog, but if enough people show interest, anything is possible.

Below you’ll find an interesting video about AM featuring an interview with Ping Fu, CEO of Geomagic.

Sources: SBWire, Printrbot, Gizmag, SME