Mataerial by Petr Novikov, Saša Joki?, Joris Laarman Studio and IAAC is a 3D printing robot that instead of building an object layer by layer, draws forms from any surface out into thin air.

Working in the same manner as the "3D printing pen" except instead of your shaky hand trying to make a recognizable shape from an ooze of hot plastic cooled by a fan, this process uses two thermosetting polymers which set when combined by a precision robot actually 3D Printing in space.  The team also state that CMYK colors can/could be combined in the same manner to create full color 3D printing using the same method.  The same process could of course be used at a much smaller scale and theoretically multiple robots could 3D print different materials simultaneously onto any surface such as a conductive material and a non conductive material to create electrical pathways.  This is definitely a technology to watch and hopefully their patent application is not so restrictive as to restrict its potential.   

Mataerial is the result of the collaborative research between Petr Novikov, Saša Joki? from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and Joris Laarman Studio. IAAC tutors representing Open Thesis Fabrication Program provided their advice and professional expertise. During the course of the research we developed a brand new digital fabrication method and a working prototype that can open a door to a number of practical applications. The method that we call Anti-gravity Object Modeling has a patent-pending status.

via Dezeen

As we tune our machines for the new 3D printing material on Shapeways we thought we would get your imagination fired up with a few seconds of flexible fun.  We still not have locked down the design rules but aim for at least 1mm walls to be safe.  Are you ready?

During Design Week in NYC at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, DesignX presented by MODE collective and Architects Newspaper is four days of digital design inspiration.

Presenters include Jesse and Jessica of Nervous System, Gil and Ronnie of Mode Lab, Francis Bitonti, Skylar Tibbits and even yours truly, Duann Scott of Shapeways presenting an intro to 3D Printing Marketplaces and Design for Fab with Autodesk 123D Design to guide you to not only design, but also 3D print from the cloud.

Check out the full range of events happening at DesignX from the May 18 to 21 at ICFF at the Javits Centre in NYC. 

The trial has ended, we asked your opinion and now we are happy to say Premium Silver 3D Printing is here to stay on Shapeways.

We will maintain the same design rules, pricing structure and lead time for Premium Silver 3D printing but we will continue to monitor and work to reduce the lead time and cost as soon as possible.  

Following is a recap of the Pricing and design rules. 

Beautiful, delicate, finely balanced mobiles 3D printed to dance on the breeze.

These 3D printed mobiles are the result of a collaboration between Marco Mahler and Henry Segerman, available 3D printed on demand through their Shapeways Mobiles Shop

Fridays at 5 is our regular Google hangout where you get to ask Shapeways Engineers your questions about 3D Printing with Shapeways.  Last week we talked about the upcoming launch of our new elasto material, how we 3D print our high detail acrylic and we set fire to a couple of Nylon and Full Color 3D prints to prove they are not suitable to put into a kiln.

Join us again this Friday to ask your questions or enter them in the comments of the blog so we can be sure to address them first.  We are beginning to record these sessions so that we have an archive of answers to your 3D printing questions, thanks to Todd Blatt for the screen capture and 'interesting' questions. 

We see many requests come into Shapeways via email and forums for people needing help realizing their ideas with 3D printing.  Sometimes they have a sketch, sometimes they have a photograph, sometimes they have a 3D model they have started but can't get to the 3D printing stage. Shapeways Designers for Hire are 3D modelers who have the skills to help others get their ideas in their hands with Shapeways 3D printing.

Our first Designer for Hire, Vijay Paul aka Dotsan is a 3D modeling superstar who is ready to help you realize your ideas with Shapeways 3D printing. 

Contact Dotsan to get a quote for your project now. 

Shapeways User Name: Dot San

Shapeways Shop: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/dotsan

Bio: Dot San have been delivering 3D design services for over a decade. By delivering great client service and satisfaction we are proud of the reputation we created from our diverse projects and international clients. Dot San have been registered with Shapeways since 2009 and have empowered many people. Our client feedback, creativity and professionalism reflects our enthusiasm for diversity and challenge and we welcome any enquires no matter how weird.

Learn the Foundations of 3D Printing, and Introduction to 3D Modeling with Aaron Trocola.

Learn the core skill for creation in the 21st century with one of the most experienced designer/modelers in the business. This double-session class is geared toward beginners, giving a complete primer on 3D printing processes, materials and software, then showing you how to apply that knowledge to make your own designs. You will also learn about selling from your Shapeways shop,  custom object co-creation, finishing and more. In three hours, you will be up and running with basic skills and receive expert consultation on what tools and techniques to focus on for your area of interest, whether in jewelry, character, scale models, or product design.

Get the full details of the class as part of Shapeways Skillshare School.