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| Rendering of linked mesh to be created by PrintToPeer Project |
We keep hearing great new uses of 3D printing, from high fashion to printing on the International Space Station. Each use showcases something new that can be done with additive manufacturing machines, and the most fascinating ones take full advantage of additive manufacturing including the design capabilities and interations that are possible. One project, that is a bit simplier in design, is the PrintToPeer startup.
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| Two basic links – Contributors can customize each before printing |
PrintToPeer has one basic design, a simple chain link. The innovation however is what they plan to do with that simple link… create a crowd sourced sculpture. Contributors, presumably hobbyist 3D printer owners and those with access to printers, are encouraged to download the design file for the link, customize it, print it out and send it back to the creators. The PrintToPeer team then will assemble each link and display the growing canvas that is created.
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| “Before I Die” New Orleans – Contributors can add their own goal |
Other projects, such as the “Before I Die” initiative, have taken similar approaches allowing viewers of the art are able to contribute to the piece. It will be interesting to see how far users go in customizing the piece. Especially exciting is that the work will never truly be finished. As long as the canvas is kept up more links can always be added.
3DPrinting of course is not the only way this project can be created. That said with access to sites like Shapeways and through file sharing printers lower the barrier to entry in creating a link that matches all the dimensions required to add to this new design. Best of luck to the +PrintToPeer team.
Thank you for your support! We’re excited to assemble the pieces and unveil this September.