User:Heisenberg Jones/Blog
Contents
Blog 1: Thingiverse Scavenger Hunt
My first task was to explore the open-source 3D model site Thingiverse and share various types of designs with the class. Thingiverse
1)Something amazing/beautiful
This stunning dragon must have taken ages to design. The level of detail put into the scales and face, not to mention the overhang of the wings and head, is incredible. I suppose the person who designed it was a graphic / mixed media artist to begin with, but it's neat to think that instead of being done by hand (where the subtractive medthod comes in handy for quick edits and detailing), this design was engineered to print out as one whole piece. Source
2)Something funny or strange
After several minutes of typing in random search terms in hopes of something mildly funny/unsettling, I typed in "fat", expecting a Peter Griffin head or Jabba the Hutt. Instead, I was treated to a file called Fat Bunbun, what I imagine someone on LSD would see while watching Bugs Bunny. While tempting to print out and present as a gift to your worst enemy, Fat Bunbun has only begun to haunt my dreams...the first night of many. Be warned: while appearing sluggish and stupid, Bunbun's creepiness is compensation enough. Source
Something useless
As someone who was never really into sports (YAY, we scored the points, now we just score more points than the other side, whoo), I already had a bias against these "glasses". However, from a purely functional role, these glasses fail. The point of these glasses is to show support for the 49ers, presumably during a game. I'll bet you can't see the person in front of you, let alone the court, if you wear these to the playoffs. Good effort, but seriously, this is like printing a blindfold. A pirate patch would have been more useful...at least then it can be fun. Source
Something useful
When searching for something useful, the term ubiquitous came to mind. This bottle opener can be assembled by inputting a coin of your choice, and the fact that one can adjust the slot for the coin based on currency/location is handy. But wait, there's more! Imagine: You're at a party with friends, having a good time. You see someone you like with an unopened bottle of...soda. Yeah. But, oh no! Looks like that guy everyone hates has stolen the only bottle opener in the joint. Aha, you say. Here's my chance to be a hero. Suavely walk over to the person you like, and say, "Can I borrow a quarter? I'll make it worth your while." Assemble this reusable bottle opener, open 'er up, and there you have it: you are now the life of the party. Also good for travel (avoid those metal detectors, then just use a coin from your wallet later). Source
Something which surprised me
This statue, while well made, seemed dangerous to be on Thingiverse. Simply put, I was surprised Disney had not sent an army of lawyers to contest their copyright claim on one of the most recognizable rodents in the world. Source
Overall, it was fun exploring Thingiverse and getting a taste for the possibilities of 3D printing. I even saw a model of a heart...seems like a good place to start for a side project or later assignment. From the coolest and most functional to the crappiest and bizarre, Thingiverse has it all.
