Make editor-in-chief Mark Frauenfelder recently came up with a cool concept for an Apple branded desktop 3D printer while working on a Mac|Life Magazine project. Based on the MakerBot, the 3D printer would be open source based and could be fed files purchased and downloaded from the iTunes store. Are personal RP machines closer than we think?
Stratasys recently received two awards at the SEMA Show for it's uPrint 3D Printer line. uPrint was awarded the Global Media Award in addition to the Popular Mechanics Award during the annual automotive aftermarket tradeshow. 
The New York Times recently posted an article about a new partnership between Hunstman Corporation and Matti Holtzberg, an Engineer and pioneer of plastic engines, to bring plastic-composite powerplants out of the lab and onto the road. Mr. Holtzberg has been working towards plastic engines/components for over 30 years, including the development and use of plastic race engines back in the 80's.
The folks at Product Design and Development recently highlighted a partnership between Z Corporation and the makers of the popular video game Rock Band. Players of the game create unique Avatars or characters with custom clothing, poses and instruments; and now they can visit RockBand.com to purchase 6" tall, custom 3D printed figures of their characters in full color. 
The ASTM Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies is looking for input about a new and improved file format for the Rapid Prototyping Industry. As the standard STL is challenged by new applications and technologies, the F42 Committee has created an online survey for feedback about what features RP users, from operators to manufacturers, would like to see included in a new STL 2.0 format.
ZCorp has released a new 3D printer called the ZPrinter 350. Touted as the first automated monochrome printer, the ZPrinter 350 features automated material loading, 20mm/hr build speed, 300 x 450 dpi resolution and is the most affordable 3D printer in the ZCorp line, listed at $25,900.
SME has announced the Keynote Speakers for it's Rapid 2010 and 3D Imaging Conference, which is being held in Anaheim, CA for 2010. Ed Fries and Dan Iosch of FigurePrints will be kicking things off for the annual Rapid Techologies conference happening May 18-20th . Fries, a former Microsoft executive, teamed up with Iosch, a former printing and graphics executive, to create FigurePrints which specializes in 3D Printing of custom characters from the globally popular World of Warcraft for around $130.
Challenged to create wearable technologies from the future, the hosts of The Gadget Show utilize Rapid Prototyping to build shoes that control an MP3 player remotely through dance moves. In addtion to the use of RP for their project, the hosts have some great conversations on the future of technologies making their way into items worn by the user.
Check out this nicely done video we came across on Advanced Technological Education Television. It features Saddleback College students utilizing 3D Scanning and Rapid Manufacturing and to create actual products.
The folks at Technology Education Concepts, an educational resource for engineering tools, have announced the availability of the RapManUSA 3D Printer. Previously only available in Europe, the RapMan is a fully functional 3D Printer sold in kit form and is priced at a very affordable $1495. Materials available include ABS, HDPE, LDPE and Polypropylene. The affordability of the unit should make it a great tool for schools, universities and do-it-yourself inventors alike to utilize Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing.
3D Systems has announced the launch of 3Dproparts™, a new Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing Service. The service will provide customers with online quoting and the full range of 3D's technology platforms and materials. Also included in the announcement was the acquisition of Acu-Cast Technologies by 3D Systems, and that their Lawrenceburg, TN location will now include the 3Dproparts facility.
Materialise has announced the release of several updated software packages. 3-matic, Mimics and SurgiCase have all been overhauled and the new versions are now available. The release of Magic 14 is also on it's way in the coming weeks.
According to several technology and do-it-yourself sites, a German fellow named Ray has utilized his RepRap 3D Printer to create a working replica of the official Dutch Police Key, shown on the right. Apparently it has only been tested under Police supervision and has not been used for an escape, yet.
A1 Technologies, the makers of the RapMan prototyping machine, have announced a new low-cost scanner called the DAVID-laserscanner in Europe. The DAVID Starter-Kit includes everything you need to start scanning for £320. Utilizing a webcam and laser pointer, the DAVID-laserscanner captures the data of your part, down to .2mm features or less, and generates a 3D model. There's also software included that aligns and fuses multiple scans and exports a variety of file types.
Good news for folks looking to get into 3D scanning at a more cost-effective price. Both Z Corporation and Creaform have released announcements regarding the launch of new, affordable additions to their product lines. The Z600 and UNIscan products are considered entry-level scanners, offering portability and ease of use for those looking to capture 3D data.
A recent announcement from 3D Systems states that their New FR-100 is now available from their Pro Parts Marketplace. In addition to being approved for Aircraft applications, it also passes UL 94 V-0 Rating which is required for Consumer Products. To learn more visit their website via the link below:
