With 3D printers, applications, and distributed manufacturing speeding ahead, our beloved .STL file may soon be considered an honorable mention. While it will always have a place in our toolbox, it lacks the information package required to keep pace with the evolutionary trajectory of 3D printing. (more…)
Jul
21
Jul
17
In engineering workplaces across the country, a burgeoning workforce of new engineers is looking to assert itself. Along the way, they are learning how to work alongside, occasionally disagreeing, with an increasingly entrenched generation of more experienced and extremely knowledgeable engineers with decades of technical experience. (more…)
Jul
14
Leatherman is well known for creating cool, portable, multipurpose tools. The founder, Tim Leatherman received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University. Time spent traveling abroad convinced him of the need for a pliers based, multipurpose tool. Now, more than 30 years later I was lucky enough to chat... read more →
Jul
08
There was a time when trying new CAD software under a provisional license involved roving bands of surly sales engineers, dog-and-pony demos, and waiting for packages to arrive in the mail. It’s safe to say that most (but not all) CAD software is now more sensibly accessible. But in today’s... read more →
Jul
06
Every time I dive into an additive manufactured (AM) design project, the outcome of that design (the part) is always a bit of a surprise. I expect most of you have experienced something similar. (more…)
Jul
02
While drafting boards and vellum are either a distant memory or a perplexing Wikipedia look-up for the younger set, most engineers are still handling design changes like chain smoking and leaded gasoline are still all the rage. (more…)
Jul
01
Engineers are an analytical bunch. Function always comes before form. Take street signs, for example. Virtually all of these signs were written in all capital letters. This didn't change until recently - when research proved that that a combination of uppercase and lowercase characters is easier for the elderly to read. Now,... read more →
Jun
26
Need a part half way across the country or on the other side of the globe? In the past your only option was probably to make the part and ship it. Or perhaps find a local contract manufacturer, send them the design and manufacturing information, and have them make it... read more →
Jun
24
Fused Deposition Modeling still reigns supreme in the desktop fabrication market. While FDM continues to expand in function, flexibility, and filament variety, there’s still an adoption gap – a disconnect that needs to be solved if 3D printers are to invade every household. (more…)
