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Parametric Parts- Models and Design for All

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I’ve been busy with my “day job” the last few weeks, so I spent the morning catching up on what I’ve missed.  It’s really amazing how much 3D Printing activity happens every day:  new scanners are popping up everywhere (MoedlsSkanect), filament makers are making a splash on Kickstarter (Filastruder), search engines are being launched (yeggi, FABforall, DimensionNext), news apps and designs are being released, and on the one down note, my favorite application, Tinkercad, is shutting down (their founders are moving on to greener pastures and taking the code with them).

Amidst all that noise, the recent launch of Parametric Parts excited me the most. It’s EXACTLY what the industry needs to catapult 3D file design and printing into the mainstream.  Parametric Parts enables users to quickly and easily adjust the parameters of a 3D file with the click of a button.  You can use their existing parts or upload your own.  For example, I just played around with a file of a “Lego” piece.  In 1 click I changed it from 1 row to 4 and in another click, added 3 more lines.  So all of a sudden, I had a Lego piece with 12 pegs (cool!).  I can print it myself or send it to i.materialise or makeXYZ (although those links weren’t working when I tried).

Initial model Adjusted parameters Adjusted model

Why is this so transformational?  It’s literally the missing piece of the consumer adoption puzzle. Their web site says it best.  Now, “anyone can make an idea come to life, even without technical expertise or prior 3D experience”.  It’s the logical next step in functionality for broad expansion of 3D printing technology into the consumer products world.

Parametric Parts is still in its infancy, but I see tremendous potential in this product.  Currently, the service is free for personal use, with a fee (undetermined) for Enterprise use.  If they continue simplifying the process and adding features, there’s a chance they could become the “WordPress” for companies to “3D enable” their businesses. I hope so!

 

The post Parametric Parts- Models and Design for All appeared first on The 3D Printing Report.


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