My name is Iikka Keränen. My professional background is in video game development, mostly as a level designer (Valve software since 2001) but I do "art for art's sake" whenever I have the time and inspiration. I'm really excited about the possibilities of 3D printing as it combines the convenience of 3D modelling software with an end product that I can touch, or show someone without a computer. And finally, thanks to Shapeways, there's an affordable service so I can try it out!
Hello Iikka Hope you like our community! So small question.....I saw your name and the word art. So I thought... Yes! Some Finnish / Scandinavian art to see really soon at Shapeways. Then I saw Hi from Seattle. Whatever, the explanation, I have seen people from all over the globe at Shapeways so we must be able to inspire each other!! Bye
Hi, I am originally from Finland (but have lived/worked in the US for several years). I don't know if there's anything particularly Finnish about my art though
Iikka- Welcome! I too am in Seattle- and while my education is in gaming I've implemented the technology in the architecture industry. I can't wait to see what you come up with- 3d printing is a pretty exciting technology, especially for those of us trained in 3d in the first place. :nod: Keep us updated on your experiences- I think the best way for us all to learn how to use this technology best is through eachother's experiences. ~Emmet Principal Concept Visual LLC www.conceptvisual.net
Welcome fellow seattlite BTW, a good portion of the shapeways development team live and work here too.
I don't know anything about the physical production side of the site. We just do the code here. It was my understanding that there is a production company(-ies) here in the US doing physical printing. You'd have to get a real answer from others (pete, bartv et al) on that.
That is fantastic that shapeways is in my backyard! My father was a machinist at the Boeing Wind tunnel and about 15 years ago he described the plastic cured by laser method of 3d printing to me. It is amazing that in a very short time that process is made available to everyone with a computer online. I am impressed with the assortment of materials available.
Boeing are still prolific users of SLS. You'd be surprised how many parts on some of their planes are made from the stuff.