Discover » Art
by
Whystler
The nocturnal (or nocturlabe) is a very old instrument for telling time at night by measuring the stars. While concept is ancient, this design is all original. It is fully functional (all dials move properly) and meant to be worn as a pendant. This is now available for sale, as it has been tested and works nicely.
How to Use the Nocturnal:
The top of the nocturnal is where you see a bit of a ring around a spike. This ring can be strung with a chain and makes it possible to wear the nocturnal as a pendant. When reading the nocturnal, this end of the piece should always be up.
Your first step is to set the outermost dial on the date. The months are shown as letters, with January and December at the top, and the progression of the months running *counterclockwise*. Note that the exact position of the letter actually marks the middle of that month. Look closer at the piece and you will see the line that separates the months between the letters.
Now, hold your nocturnal up to the starry night sky, making sure that the date is still properly set. Locate the North Star centred in the hole in the middle of the Nocturnal. Then use the central dial (the one that looks like a pointer) to point to the two stars at the end of the bowl of the *big* dipper.
Once you have this all set. Look closer at the pointer and you will see that within the pointer is an eliptical ring and within this is a smaller pointer. This smaller pointer points to a roman numeral, which shows you the time.
Note again, that the roman numeral is centred on the middle of the hour. So, if the little pointer points in the centre of the numeral, it is in fact half past.
So now you can tell time at night without a powered time piece. This is great for night owls, vampires, and those who appreciate a gothic or steampunk look.
How to Use the Nocturnal:
The top of the nocturnal is where you see a bit of a ring around a spike. This ring can be strung with a chain and makes it possible to wear the nocturnal as a pendant. When reading the nocturnal, this end of the piece should always be up.
Your first step is to set the outermost dial on the date. The months are shown as letters, with January and December at the top, and the progression of the months running *counterclockwise*. Note that the exact position of the letter actually marks the middle of that month. Look closer at the piece and you will see the line that separates the months between the letters.
Now, hold your nocturnal up to the starry night sky, making sure that the date is still properly set. Locate the North Star centred in the hole in the middle of the Nocturnal. Then use the central dial (the one that looks like a pointer) to point to the two stars at the end of the bowl of the *big* dipper.
Once you have this all set. Look closer at the pointer and you will see that within the pointer is an eliptical ring and within this is a smaller pointer. This smaller pointer points to a roman numeral, which shows you the time.
Note again, that the roman numeral is centred on the middle of the hour. So, if the little pointer points in the centre of the numeral, it is in fact half past.
So now you can tell time at night without a powered time piece. This is great for night owls, vampires, and those who appreciate a gothic or steampunk look.
by
TerraCotta
If M.C. Escher had owned fidget toys, he would have worn "One ring to rule the ball" as a pendant. A single, continuous line contains a small ball that makes orbit after mesmerizing orbit but cannot escape, always held down in four directions. Available in solid, durable stainless steel with optional antique bronze and gold plated finishes to fit any context, "One ring to rule the ball" now also includes a free rubber necklace so that you can confuse your mind any time the fancy strikes you! One customer echoes many others in saying, "I couldn't put it down. This thing is just too fun!"
Purchases by those gracious customers have now paid for the design time on this piece so it is available on a pay-what-you-want basis. Ordering from this page contributes 5$ towards continuing work such as the new, even more impossible "One ring to pwn the ball" (just released October 18th!) which can be found at http://www.shapeways.com/model/145172/one_ring_to_pwn_the_ball.html and the open-source "Ultimate Desk Toy" at http://www.shapeways.com/model/109166/ultimate_desk_toy.html . To download the original 3d file for your own use under a CC-BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ca ) click "Download" at top right . To learn more about this design or other work from Terra Cotta, visit our website at http://www.terracottapf.com
Purchases by those gracious customers have now paid for the design time on this piece so it is available on a pay-what-you-want basis. Ordering from this page contributes 5$ towards continuing work such as the new, even more impossible "One ring to pwn the ball" (just released October 18th!) which can be found at http://www.shapeways.com/model/145172/one_ring_to_pwn_the_ball.html and the open-source "Ultimate Desk Toy" at http://www.shapeways.com/model/109166/ultimate_desk_toy.html . To download the original 3d file for your own use under a CC-BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ca ) click "Download" at top right . To learn more about this design or other work from Terra Cotta, visit our website at http://www.terracottapf.com
by
ryankittleson
Show off your success (or someone else's) with this perfectly re-created sculpture based off the popular meme.
by
dadrummond
A perfect scarab with all the little details. What an Egyptian metalsmith would have crafted, had the pharoahs dreamed of direct-metal printing.
Featured on BoingBoing, NotCot, and entymologically discerning sterna worldwide.
To wear as a pendant, a simple 2mm-thick cord works well.
Featured on BoingBoing, NotCot, and entymologically discerning sterna worldwide.
To wear as a pendant, a simple 2mm-thick cord works well.
by
Bathsheba
A theorem walks into a bar...
The Klein Bottle is a mathematical joke: a surface with only one side. This one feels just right in your hand and opens bottles with ease and style. Built to last in steel, it's the perfect touch for any math fan's kitchen.
The Klein Bottle is a mathematical joke: a surface with only one side. This one feels just right in your hand and opens bottles with ease and style. Built to last in steel, it's the perfect touch for any math fan's kitchen.
Yes, it really works!
Klein not-a-bottle-opener is here.
by
avandius
This is a 16mm to 24mm dice set modeled after the Deathly Hallows from Harry Potter.
The Black Strong & Flexible set (red background) was hand-painted using Spanish Copper and Gold rub'n'buff (sold separately).
Alumide set was dyed black and painted with silver enamel (sold separately).
The Black Strong & Flexible set (red background) was hand-painted using Spanish Copper and Gold rub'n'buff (sold separately).
Alumide set was dyed black and painted with silver enamel (sold separately).
by
Bathsheba
There are six regular convex polytopes in 4D, which are analogous to the
five Platonic solids in 3D. This is the fifth, the hyperdodecahedron, a remarkably beautiful object brought to my attention
by George Hart.
Here it's shown in a Schlegel diagram so you can see all 120 dodecahedral cells, though most are transformed by perspective: in this projection, the only regular dodecahedra are the biggest one on the outside and the tiniest one at the center.
A bigger model is here.
Here it's shown in a Schlegel diagram so you can see all 120 dodecahedral cells, though most are transformed by perspective: in this projection, the only regular dodecahedra are the biggest one on the outside and the tiniest one at the center.
A bigger model is here.
by
Dotsan
No1 in the series of animal heads, a smaller version of the 570mm high Stag Head (which is not available on Shapeways)
There is also a 75mm version here and a 300mm version here
The Animal Head Collection.
No 2 is a Zebra.
No 3 is a Rhino.
No 4 is a Tiger.
Tiger Head 2.
No 5 is an Elephant.
I'm experimenting with telling a story using minimal material to save on printing cost while inspiring the imagination.
Please send your pictures and share your thoughts on the design.
There is also a 75mm version here and a 300mm version here
The Animal Head Collection.
No 2 is a Zebra.
No 3 is a Rhino.
No 4 is a Tiger.
Tiger Head 2.
No 5 is an Elephant.
I'm experimenting with telling a story using minimal material to save on printing cost while inspiring the imagination.
Please send your pictures and share your thoughts on the design.
by
TheoJansen
The first public evolution of the Animaris Geneticus Parvus, #5. Featuring a fully working Theo Jansen mechanism as used in his work "the Rhinoceros". The mechanism is printed assembled, and will work without further assembly right after birth from the printer.
Also see our new Propeller Propulsion add-on, to have your Strandbeest walk autonomously!
A few tips to consider:
- After birth there might be a little powder left in some joints, or it might not go supersmooth. This will fix itself after the animal has a little bit of practice!
- Some surfaces work better than others. The legs require a little friction, and a flat surface. So for example: A rough table or floor, thin flat carpeting, or a thin rubber sheet.
- The best way to push it is by its nameplate. Do not push down, but forward
Also see our new Propeller Propulsion add-on, to have your Strandbeest walk autonomously!
A few tips to consider:
- After birth there might be a little powder left in some joints, or it might not go supersmooth. This will fix itself after the animal has a little bit of practice!
- Some surfaces work better than others. The legs require a little friction, and a flat surface. So for example: A rough table or floor, thin flat carpeting, or a thin rubber sheet.
- The best way to push it is by its nameplate. Do not push down, but forward
by
JoshuaHarker
The filigree design over the skull symbolizes the ever growing renewal over the ghost of the past. This is the original design as featured on Kickstarter. It became their #1 most funded sculpture project of all time. Medium is between life-size & small version. See pic of 3 sizes together for comparison.
by
JoshuaHarker
The filigree design over the skull symbolizes ever growing renewal over the ghost of the past. This is the original design as featured on Kickstarter. It became their #1 most funded sculpture project of all time. Actual size is shown sitting in the hand. See pic of all 4 sizes together for comparison.
by
virtox
You can't hold it forever!
Here is the corner stand for the 5cm Gyro the Cube.
Due to printing variations it might be a bit tight fit for some cubes.
I recommend any of the Strong & Flexible
Alumide available on request.
Here is the corner stand for the 5cm Gyro the Cube.
Due to printing variations it might be a bit tight fit for some cubes.
I recommend any of the Strong & Flexible
Alumide available on request.
by
henryseg
A 3-dimensional version of the Hilbert space filling curve.
As shown in the photos, if printed in one of the "Strong & Flexible" plastics, it can be used as a bracelet or hair accessory. It takes a little time to reform back as a cube after being stretched, but it seems that leaving it overnight does the job.
by
richgain
This must surely be the smallest commercially available 3D puzzle cube in the world.
It is a tiny 7.5 mm across and presents a real challenge to solve and take apart - and not just because of its size.
It is an example of a sequentially interlocking cube which means that it won't fall apart once the pieces are slotted together.
You can find many more interlocking puzzle cubes in the microcubology shop.
The puzzle was inspired by the cover of Elbow's brilliant album, The Seldom Seen Kid.
It is a tiny 7.5 mm across and presents a real challenge to solve and take apart - and not just because of its size.
It is an example of a sequentially interlocking cube which means that it won't fall apart once the pieces are slotted together.
You can find many more interlocking puzzle cubes in the microcubology shop.
The puzzle was inspired by the cover of Elbow's brilliant album, The Seldom Seen Kid.
by
trompevenlo
I would like to introduce to you the sculpture »You & Me« from the »Scrappies« figurine family. It represents love, affection and mutual commitment - emotions that everyone values and never lose their significance.
The »Scrappies« are inspired by everything you can find in a scrapyard: old nuts and bolts, tin cans, pipes, coils, parts of ball bearings.
But they are actually manufactured in a totally different, novel »3D printing« process. Each of them is made in one piece from fine metal powders.
I had initially made the »You & Me« sculpture as a unique gift for our 30th wedding anniversary, but when Christiane placed the Scrappies on her office desk, her collegues loved them so much that we thought why not share it and make it available to others.
Therefore, and for a limited time, I am offering you my work here, outside of the traditional channels of exhibiting and selling art. Each figurine will be customized with your initials of choice. I will make and ship a unique »You & Me« sculpture for every supporter, be it one or many.
by
Bathsheba
There are six regular convex polytopes in 4D, which are analogous to
the five Platonic solids in 3D. This is the fifth, the
hyperdodecahedron, a remarkably beautiful object brought to my
attention by George Hart.
Here it's shown in a Schlegel diagram so you can see all 120 dodecahedral cells, though most are transformed by perspective: in this projection, the only regular dodecahedra are the biggest one on the outside and the tiniest one at the center.
A smaller model is here.
Here it's shown in a Schlegel diagram so you can see all 120 dodecahedral cells, though most are transformed by perspective: in this projection, the only regular dodecahedra are the biggest one on the outside and the tiniest one at the center.
A smaller model is here.
by
joabaldwin
I created the skeleton of a skeletal Lepidoptera. The Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos), seen on The Silence of the Lambs , has a skull marking on its back. I made a full human-like bone structure for the moth, with the grinning skull protruding from its back.
The model is very thin, yet sturdy and flexible. Detail level is fantastic, and the natural texture of the 3d printing process gives it a bone-like appearance that works wonders.
Yes, moths don't have endoskeletons, that's the whole point...
The model is very thin, yet sturdy and flexible. Detail level is fantastic, and the natural texture of the 3d printing process gives it a bone-like appearance that works wonders.
Yes, moths don't have endoskeletons, that's the whole point...
by
Bathsheba
A pendant for metal printing. I think this may be the most adorable thing ever.
by
joabaldwin
The design is based on the classic Celtic-style knot symbol for the World Tree from Norse mythology, Yggdrasil.
Inside the leaves you can see a small sphere of blue. If you look reaaally carefully, you could notice that the continents in the blue ball are in the shape of Pangea and not our current distribution.
Inside the leaves you can see a small sphere of blue. If you look reaaally carefully, you could notice that the continents in the blue ball are in the shape of Pangea and not our current distribution.
by
avandius
Interlocking gears in a steampunk theme. These standard sized gear dice will keep your game turning (figuratively speaking, they do not actually turn...)
With percentile die.
With percentile die.
by
ShapeKays
This is a model of the woodcut picture made by M.C. Escher in 1965 called 'Knots".
It has since then been a challenge for 3d modelers and mathematicians.
As far as I know it has not been modeled in 3d up till now. (It has! see comments).
The model's height is about 8 cm.
It has since then been a challenge for 3d modelers and mathematicians.
As far as I know it has not been modeled in 3d up till now. (It has! see comments).
The model's height is about 8 cm.
by
tedparsec
My third attempt to 3d print a rpg miniature.
I've tried to have fun with the position and the balance of the model. Same as with my other models, i expect some serious detail loss, that's why I've put emphasis on the silhouette of each figure, to make them very distinguishable, even at this scale.
I've tried to have fun with the position and the balance of the model. Same as with my other models, i expect some serious detail loss, that's why I've put emphasis on the silhouette of each figure, to make them very distinguishable, even at this scale.
by
JoshuaHarker
love hurts...but it's fashionable. Clip on back slides into pocket or hangs on pin. Can also be strung as a necklace. Depicting the beauty & pain associated with love… white symbolizing purity, red for passion, black for loss, & silver for reward. The trickle of blood symbolizes sacrifice. It was inspired by the irony of such conflicting emotions within the experience of a relationship.
by
stop4stuff
This pendant features a mobius style spiral that can enclose a 6mm ball which jingles and jangles when worn.
If you'd prefer a right hand spiral, please see; http://www.shapeways.com/model/169011
NOTE:
Shapeways have decided that this model is unprintable with the ball enclosed.
This model will take a 6mm steel ball which can be fitted by gently forcing open the spiral... see video.
A 5mm ball is available here; http://www.shapeways.com/model/172759 or simply use a suitable (4.5mm-6mm) ball bearing.
If you'd prefer a right hand spiral, please see; http://www.shapeways.com/model/169011
NOTE:
Shapeways have decided that this model is unprintable with the ball enclosed.
This model will take a 6mm steel ball which can be fitted by gently forcing open the spiral... see video.
A 5mm ball is available here; http://www.shapeways.com/model/172759 or simply use a suitable (4.5mm-6mm) ball bearing.
by
AceD
[UPDATE] 24/01/2013:
The amulet is now available in a few smaller sizes:
Amulet 3.5cm
Amulet 3.0cm
///////////////
Amulet is 4 cm (1.6 in) with increased details!!!
(like the mouth and eyes, to make the lines more visible)
For the ones who think it's a bit to dark i would suggest to order it in Gold Plated Glossy.
Amulet comes without a cord!
For infos about the materials pls check this site: http://www.shapeways.com/materials/steel
This amulet was inspired from the amulet which Dean Winchester is wearing in the TV-Series SUPERNATURAL.
Should be very screen accurate.
Please rate the amulet if you like it. Thanks! :)
Neue, überarbeitete Version. Auf 4cm vergrößert und Detailgrad erhöht!!
Details an den Augen und dem Mund wurden ebenfalls verstärkt, um sie deutlicher zu machen.
Wem das Material "Antique Bronze Glossy" zu dunkel ist, dem schlage ich vor "Gold Plated Glossy" zu wählen :)
Dieses Amulett ist inspiriert von der Halskette die Dean Winchester in SUPERNATURAL trägt. Habe sie möglichst detailgetreu nachempfunden und kommt dem Original sehr Nahe finde ich.
Hoffe, es gefällt euch :) Dürft es gerne oberhalb dieser Seite mit den Sternen bewerten. Danke!
The amulet is now available in a few smaller sizes:
Amulet 3.5cm
Amulet 3.0cm
///////////////
Amulet is 4 cm (1.6 in) with increased details!!!
(like the mouth and eyes, to make the lines more visible)
For the ones who think it's a bit to dark i would suggest to order it in Gold Plated Glossy.
Amulet comes without a cord!
For infos about the materials pls check this site: http://www.shapeways.com/materials/steel
This amulet was inspired from the amulet which Dean Winchester is wearing in the TV-Series SUPERNATURAL.
Should be very screen accurate.
Please rate the amulet if you like it. Thanks! :)
Neue, überarbeitete Version. Auf 4cm vergrößert und Detailgrad erhöht!!
Details an den Augen und dem Mund wurden ebenfalls verstärkt, um sie deutlicher zu machen.
Wem das Material "Antique Bronze Glossy" zu dunkel ist, dem schlage ich vor "Gold Plated Glossy" zu wählen :)
Dieses Amulett ist inspiriert von der Halskette die Dean Winchester in SUPERNATURAL trägt. Habe sie möglichst detailgetreu nachempfunden und kommt dem Original sehr Nahe finde ich.
Hoffe, es gefällt euch :) Dürft es gerne oberhalb dieser Seite mit den Sternen bewerten. Danke!
by
harryapeman
UPDATE: Click this link to see the new version with loops for easy addition of a necklace chain! *Chain NOT included*
Makes a great Valentine's Day gift!!
They balance nicely on the top to fingers. With some dexterity they can also be fashioned into a necklace.
Makes a great Valentine's Day gift!!
They balance nicely on the top to fingers. With some dexterity they can also be fashioned into a necklace.
by
improbablecog
Resembling a bat or dragon, these biotech earrings are the wings of an alien exoform.
This piece has been released under a Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike License due to the support of the following patrons:
BJ Becker, Boon Sheridan, brepettis, Brian Hawkins, CatFord, Edvard Immonen, Edward Henderson II, GothicCharmSchool, Helen, Ian Nusbaum, Jack C, Jake von Slatt, James Ian Burns, Jess, Jezcabelle, Johnny B Jackson, Katt Tewksbury, Kim Dancy, Lastwear, Leila Smith, Libby Bulloff, Lucas Richter, Lyssa Chartrand, Malcolm Tredinnick, Marguerite Kenner, Melody Burdett, morbidity.unlimited, Nick Setten, Patrick Ball, Peter Simon, Raymond McCauley, Robert Schouwenburg, Sara Mitchell, Sigrid Ellis, strand, Sue Jackson, Theodore Minick
Because of their contributions, you are free to print this model at cost, download the original model files from my website at: http://www.improbablecog.com, use it, modify it, and even sell it, with the following restrictions:
- All derivative work must be released under the same license.
- You must attribute the original design to Noah Beasley or Improbablecog, and to the URL http://www.improbablecog.com
Also, if you do anything cool and interesting with this model, please drop me a line and let me know about it! I would love to promote your modifications, and point people your way to see it.
If you do decide to sell physical prints of this model, that's also allowed so long as you attribute the design. I would be glad to list you as a local reseller on my website as well if you let me know about it :)
That's it, otherwise have fun!
This piece has been released under a Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike License due to the support of the following patrons:
BJ Becker, Boon Sheridan, brepettis, Brian Hawkins, CatFord, Edvard Immonen, Edward Henderson II, GothicCharmSchool, Helen, Ian Nusbaum, Jack C, Jake von Slatt, James Ian Burns, Jess, Jezcabelle, Johnny B Jackson, Katt Tewksbury, Kim Dancy, Lastwear, Leila Smith, Libby Bulloff, Lucas Richter, Lyssa Chartrand, Malcolm Tredinnick, Marguerite Kenner, Melody Burdett, morbidity.unlimited, Nick Setten, Patrick Ball, Peter Simon, Raymond McCauley, Robert Schouwenburg, Sara Mitchell, Sigrid Ellis, strand, Sue Jackson, Theodore Minick
Because of their contributions, you are free to print this model at cost, download the original model files from my website at: http://www.improbablecog.com, use it, modify it, and even sell it, with the following restrictions:
- All derivative work must be released under the same license.
- You must attribute the original design to Noah Beasley or Improbablecog, and to the URL http://www.improbablecog.com
Also, if you do anything cool and interesting with this model, please drop me a line and let me know about it! I would love to promote your modifications, and point people your way to see it.
If you do decide to sell physical prints of this model, that's also allowed so long as you attribute the design. I would be glad to list you as a local reseller on my website as well if you let me know about it :)
That's it, otherwise have fun!
by
joabaldwin
Half Life 2 meets Portal. Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance's best friend, DOG, contemplating the beauty of his new toy, a companion cube. What else could you possibly want? Oh, that's right, Half-Life 2 Episode 3 would be nice...
Gabe, are you listening?
This uses the original texture maps from the game, you can even see the Lambda Half Life logo on DOG's back.
It wasn't easy! I had to remap all the textures manually, and fix all the geometry to make it printable and thick enough to support the weight. I also made most large pieces hollow, but you won't notice that at all (except in the reduced price this provided).
Gabe, are you listening?
This uses the original texture maps from the game, you can even see the Lambda Half Life logo on DOG's back.
It wasn't easy! I had to remap all the textures manually, and fix all the geometry to make it printable and thick enough to support the weight. I also made most large pieces hollow, but you won't notice that at all (except in the reduced price this provided).
by
henryseg
A smaller version of Triple Gear is available here. A baseplate and axle for using a motor to move the triple gear is available here. Also see 15 cm axle for Triple gear and 30 cm axle for Triple gear.
In this unusual mechanism three gears mesh together in pairs, and yet they can turn!
If you take three ordinary gears and put them together so that each gear meshes with the other two, then none of the gears can turn because neighbouring gears must turn in opposite directions. Triple gear avoids this problem by having the three "gears" arranged like linked rings - the gears then rotate along skew axes, and the opposite direction rule no longer applies (although see also Oskar van Deventer's Magic Gears for another possible solution).
This is joint work with Saul Schleimer. We were inspired by another of Oskar's designs, his Knotted Gear, which consists of two linked rings that gear with each other, and of course we wondered if it would be possible to do three linked rings!
Here is a paper on the mathematics behind the Triple gear, and how we designed it.
A note on materials: I have so far printed it in White Strong & Flexible only. It may arrive with the rings slightly fused together, but gently moving them back and forth will loosen them up, and the mechanism gets smoother with use. I'm not sure what effect the polishing process would have on the gearing mechanism, since it would polish the exposed gear teeth but not those which are meshed as it comes out of the printer. So I have disabled the polished material options. If you really want to try it, let me know. I also haven't tested any of the "frosted detail" materials, but I imagine that they should work fine. It isn't printable in the other "detail" materials because of cleaning problems.
by
Bathsheba
There are six regular convex polytopes in 4D, which are analogous to the
five Platonic solids in 3D. This is the third, the hypercube or tesseract, in the classic projection into 3-space, showing its 8 cubic faces in a nice straightforward visualization.
A different projection is here.
A different projection is here.
by
Bathsheba
A delightful surface: the gyroid put through a simple inverse transformation. It's ellipsoidal on the outside, and there is a sphere taken out of the center, which is difficult to see; for otherwise it would be infinitely tiny inside, and therefore unprintable.
