#MakerMonday | DIY Concrete Cufflinks

Thinking of all the things you can do with 3D printers is daunting. It may be easier to attack a list that describes what you can't do with 3D printers, but the options seems to be shrinking every day as well. Need another example to add to your list? How about 3D printing for concrete molds? Here are some DIY concrete cuff links that may spur your imagination. What kind of molds can you build for melted chocolate, wax or crayons?

Free 3D modeling software for 3D printers

Our two favorites would have to be GoogleSketchUp and OpenSCAD.   OpenSCAD is completely free and has a solid base in CAD modeling.  OpenSCAD is a bit more complicated than Google SketchUp, when it comes to a learning curve, but you can do some amazing things once you learn how to use it correctly.  In addition you'll gain a bit of programming knowledge on your journey.  But don't be intimidated, making everything work together isn't all that hard once you dive into it.  The great thing is that there are plenty of documentation/tutorials to help you on your way.  You can get some inspiration and possibly some help accomplishing your learning goal by checking out Thingiverse (Anything tagged customizer = OpenSCAD).

Here are some models and ideas from one of our co-founders, Greg, made using OpenSCAD and Thingiverse's customizer application.  You can always download the OpenSCAD files from pre-made models and modify them to suit your needs.

• Concrete Mold
• PVC Inner Coupler

Google SketchUp, our first choice when modeling something, has a free version, SketchUp Make, and can be used for most anything you can think of.  Google has also set up some free tutorials on the subject.  The tutorials are a bit involved but once you have SketchUp under your belt you’re well on your way to becoming a modeler extraordinaire!  Both of these tools have their strengths and weaknesses, but together there really hasn't been something we were unable to design rather quickly for a 3D printer.  Here's a Google SketchUp design Greg made for a Roll-Out Pantry.

We hope you enjoy making as much as we do.  You can learn more about us at makesanantonio.com.

The Endless Possibilities of 3D Printing

Doctors, makers, and inventors are using 3D printing in some creative ways to do some amazing things. The versatility of 3D printing coupled with a good imagination is all you really need. You could go out, show a group of people how to use a 3D printer, and each one of them would think up a different use for it. That's the power of creating and making. What could the inventor, the artist, the junior high school student come up with if they only knew about 3D printing and had access to one of those machines? Bill Gates once said, "I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user." Bill, I think the computer may have a contender to look out for.

Check out the following links to various ways 3D printing is changing the world:

Multi-material 3D printer

Doctors creating human ears

3D printed prosthetic

Paste Extrusion