I imagine if you’re a regular reader of this colorfully pleasant blog you are perfectly capable of modeling a design idea up in SolidWorks. If you’re not, this site will help you realize your creative genius.
DesignmyIdea.com can work with you on a design and give you some guidance on how to get you’re idea out to the masses.
“Our designers have extensive knowledge and experience in the following CAD programs: ProE Wildfire, Rhinoceros and SolidWorks.”
I’m telling ya people, robots are taking over the world and SolidWorks is doing their part to aid in the onslaught of automated fulfillment like you wouldn’t believe. SHOES. The robots are in control of our footwear and it’s all starting at Zappos, perhaps the most brilliant shoe store you’ll ever find.
Kiva Systems has just done a full-up implementation of their ItemFetch robot army system, just four months after Zappos made the decision to have the tiny orange robots automate orders at their Kentucky plant.
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Out of the 50 or so things I fear the most, one of the top is, not flying or crashing in a plane, but being hit head-on by a plane, and even more, by a GyroPlane. The one you see here just happens to be designed in SolidWorks.
These planes typically look like a small motor, rotor and wheels strapped to a chair… that get strapped to a human. This one has a little more flair and a very nice protective shell to fall in and out of. I’d have to say, if I was ever going to get a GyroPlane, this would be the one I’d buy.
Of course, you would have to add some P40 lookin’ shark-teeth decals on the front, some flames shootin’ out the back… and some turret guns.
More info at the SportCopter GyroPlane Site and a podcast (mp4) at SolidWorks.
I know, it’s only Tuesday and you’re saying, “Yeeeeah, I typically take my inspiration on Fridays – Thursdays at the earliest to knock some of thoooose projects out over the weekend, m’kay? thanks.” But folks, this just can’t wait, I tell you, and will probably get you through the week completely distracted by your potential… to MAKE.
The (crank reverb) Institute for the FUTURE (IFTF) has put together a eye opening Future of Making Map that you need to print out and smother yourself in for about ten minutes.
It reveals a changing mindset and discuss the technologies making it happen in the areas of design and manufacturing.
An emerging do-it-yourself culture of “makers” is boldly voiding warranties to tweak, hack, and customize the products they buy. And what they can’t purchase, they build from scratch. Meanwhile, flexible manufacturing technologies on the horizon will change fabrication from massive and centralized to lightweight and ad hoc.
However, it’s not saying that it will replace the traditional manufacturing industry, but that it will be combined to create more opportunities and ways of collaborating on design and manufacturing.
The New Annoyed
Doing something yourself can be one of the most frustrating and enjoyable projects you take on. If you’ve ever been annoyed at paying (too much) for a service after you see how it’s done you are amongst the many my friend. You’ve kind of realized all along that you are more interested in doing it yourself and that is why you have so many unfinished projects. Know what I mean?
For those in the CAD World
All this craftiness and DIY stuff may not seem applicable to the programs you use or companies you belong to. Look at the map again, because it should. On top of that, there’s companies like Protomold(Rapid Plastic Injection) and Ponoko(Laser-Cutting Create, Make-n-Sell), that are making prototyping and production more feasible. They mention Sketchup, a free 3D modeling program from Google, but even higher-end programs like SolidWorks is allowing people to create their ideas and get them closer to market – Like that Electric Unicycle guy.
You can totally see this happening as well. Just look at sites like Makezine, Etsy and BugLabs, ThinkGeek, Instructables and all the Steampunk stuff. People modding, hacking, modeling and figuring out ways to create.
Have these new sites and manufacturing methods inspired your own ideas? How do you think its going to change the way products are made?
BoingBoing Via Evan Yares
If only I had a ice-cold beverage that didn’t become hot and tasteless within a container that fit nicely to the shape of my hand.*sob* Your polycarbonate dreams of a cool beverage lasting till your final sip and designed in SolidWorks have arrived. CoolGear Inc. is designing their liquid holding devices in SolidWorks.
I know you’ve seen these in the stores. They have a freezing core with gel inside to keep things on the cool side. Personally, I prefer the stainless steel Kleen Kanteen types. There are entire arguments just within the container industry on the potential leeching and oversea manufacturing monopoly. Anyway, it’s an innovative product that goes beyond the ordinary water bottle.
Via SolidWorks
I’m working on designing and possibly constructing a built-in bookshelf at home. It’s going to wrap around a wall and have an integrated desk in a spot that would otherwise be completely useless.
Amazingly enough, bookshelves have commonly been used to do just that. Make an unused space usable. That’s interesting to me because everyday I amass more digital information than paper-bound information. But having that bookshelf just makes a home that much cozier, don’t ya think?
On top of that there’s just so many designs and ways to use bookshelves. Would you ever get rid of your bookshelf for a wireless reading device like the Kindle? How will bookshelf design change? Here’s a thought. Where will you put all those software boxes? When will that go completely digital right?
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