Last year we wrote about Innocentive, where you can get rewarded for coming up with solutions for business, social, policy, scientific, and technical challenges (see that entry here).  In the past they’ve had a few 3D printing related challenges and now they have another one where you can earn $7,000 in exchange for ideas on how to 3D print with cotton.  The problem is open until February 23, 2014, so get those ideas in now!

Image courtesy of Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you familiar with the section 179 deduction?  Essentially you can subtract the cost of capital equipment like a 3D printer/scanner from your profit and reduce your tax bill.  If you’re taxed at a 36% rate it’s like getting your new printer/scanner at a 36% discount.  Now the limit has been reduced from $500,000 in 2013 to only $25,000 in 2014, but that’s still more than enough to add a new toy to your business or start a new business.  Balboa Capital put together a great YouTube video explaining the process.

3D Industri.es (3DI) has created a new portal and search engine based directly on shapes.  This allows you to find industrial parts quickly and easily based upon their shape alone.  This removes any language barrier, any need for a part number or need to search supplier by supplier.  We can see this being big with old and obsolete machinery, perhaps with out of business manufactures, allowing users to locate parts or compatible parts that are close enough.

Image courtesy of Iamnee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So today is “Cyber Monday” and last Friday was “Black Friday” (or really Thanksgiving Thursday, but that’s a different post for a different type of blog).  This year we have seen 3D printing become more mainstream being offered at places like Best Buy, Amazon.com, Staples, etc.  It got me thinking, when will we see the first Black Friday or Cyber Monday advertised deal by a major retailer?  Please answer our poll below.

3D printing can have many environmental benefits as we’ve written about before.  In an era of upgrades and personalized items, 3D printing can deliver a totally new product every time with minimal waste.  Cubyoyo helped put together an awesome study about the environmental implications of 3D printing. Continue reading →

Some rights reserved by Tulane Public Relations

Looking to save for retirement?  Maybe investing part of your portfolio in 3D printing could be the way to go.  3D printing is growing by 13.5% annually and expected to reach $3.5 billion in 2017.  at that rate you’ll double your money in a little over 5 years.  13.5% is a pretty good growth rate and rate of return on investment, but it’s a question of picking the winning stocks. Continue reading →

We got wind of a great new venture currently raising funds on Indiegogo.  MediumWare seeks to be a database of printer ready parts for engineers, housing things like pumps, bearings, valves, etc.  Although they are trying to raise funds, they’re also looking to raise awareness and are looking for beta testers!

Steve Hammond

We had a chance to get an exclusive interview with Steve Hammond, founder of MediumWare.  Here’s what he had to say about his company: Continue reading →

Stuck in a rut?

In literature it’s called writer’s block, in R&D it’s an empty pipeline, these are both examples of a drought of creativity.  I‘m a big believer that while there is an element of natural ability, creativity can also be learned and refined.  Like sports or an instrument, practice makes perfect and there are also catalysts out there.  It’s amazing how fast we can get into a rut and it takes proactive actions to break free.  Here are a few habits that I use to try to keep myself fresh: Continue reading →

Who hasn’t played with an action figure and pretended it was them?  As part of a marketing campaign Coke gave customers the opportunity to do just that!  This is an awesome use of 3D printing for marketing purposes. and here’s a great article about other figurine applications. Continue reading →

Image courtesy of Michal Marcol at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

PLA printer seeks STP file for mutually beneficial relationship.

MakeXYZ (http://www.makexyz.com/) is a great place where you can search for a private contractor to print your 3D file or pick from a catalog and have it printed near you.  This is a great way for individuals to list their printers for hire.  Also, those who need something printed can have it done locally if you don’t want to purchase a device or have a Staples or other business offering the service. Continue reading →