Areia robótica, um Concurso da Ponoko, e um Site para Hobbies

Eis uma ideia ambiciosa, Areia composta de nano-bots, que forma Moldes, um sonho prestes a realizar-se para todos os que querem ter moldes para uma Fundição, a partir de ficheiros 3D: 

Self-sculpting smart sand could assemble itself into solid replicas of objects

By Jan Belezina

Research currently underway at MIT’s Distributed Robotic Laboratory (DRL) could lead to an innovative replicative manufacturing technique with the disruptive potential equal to that of 3D printing. Imagine a sand-like material that could autonomously assemble itself into a replica of any object encased within. Incredible though this may sound, the DRL researchers have already managed to build a large scale proof-of-concept, with 10-mm cubes acting as the grains.

Before we go into how these cubes - or "smart pebbles" - work, let’s sketch out the general concept. The idea is to create objects using a subtractive method, where excess material is removed just like when carving in stone. Each grain of smart sand would be a self-contained micro computer. These tiny machines would use an elaborate algorithm to communicate with the neighboring particles in order to establish the exact position and shape of the input object so that it can be replicated.

http://www.gizmag.com/smart-sand-mit/22130/

A Ponoko oferece como Prémio, um Cortador de Papel CNC, vejam este Concurso:

Make a lasercut paper project with Ponoko to win a Silhouette Cameo electronic cutting tool!

If there’s one essential material for creativity it’s paper. It’s so approachable, so familiar, so versatile. And you can lasercut it! : )

We’ve added paper cardstock to the materials catalog at both the Ponoko US and Ponoko NZ laser-cutting hubs. And we’d love to see what kinds of stuff you can make with it: artwork, business cards, product packaging, maybe a Mother’s Day card? We’re even throwing in a nice little prize…

Make a lasercut paper project and you could win a Silhouette Cameo!

http://blog.ponoko.com/2012/04/12/make-a-lasercut-paper-project-with-ponoko-to-win-a-silhouette-cameo-electronic-cutting-tool/

E um Site com muitas coisas para engenhocas:

Hobbies

Find what you need at Hobbies.com! Here you will find all of the Hobbies you can't find anywhere else, including RC Cars or RC Planes. With our help you can find the right products and brands at the lowest prices online only at Hobbies.com. Let us help you meet your shopping needs while providing you with the best selections available online today. All this in a simple to use shopping interface. Checkout securely online with the help of Hobbies.com. Have a great day!

http://productportals.wishpot.com/?name=hobbies.com

Pinterest, Emgine, e mais 3D Bacano!

Já me meti no Pinterest:

http://pinterest.com/edgarinventor/gizmo-making/

É mais uma maneira de terem as vossas imagens na Net, por isso, inscrevam-se!

Emgine, um Simulador de Campos Magnéticos, para não terem de fazer N enrolamentos, até que a vossa Ideia dê certo!
E é Grátis!

emGine Environment - 3D Electromagnetic Field Simulator

The emGine Environment(TM) is a full-wave 3D electromagnetic field simulation environment solving Maxwell's equations in time-domain. It is used for the modeling of high-frequency electromagnetic field in microwave circuits, antennas, resonators, microwave filters, hollow waveguides, etc.
Get a FREE Commercial License - Fully Featured, No Limitations!

If you want to use the emGine Environment for commercial/governmental/military purposes, you must obtain a commercial license. Contact me and get for FREE one license valid for 6 months and see how emGine Environment can help in your development and research studies.

http://www.petr-lorenz.com/emgine/

Mais uma maravilha encontrada pela Ponoko.
Mais dois Projectos de Impressoras 3D, daquelas com um acabamento tão perfeito, que faz chorar as pedras da calçada, e ainda por cima, Open Source, até o Material de Impressão é barato!!!

Open source resin 3D printers in development

Hobbyists work on affordable resin printing tech

After posting about Junior Veloso’s resin 3D printer last week (and its higher-than-expected price), commenters arthur and Adam B. pointed to a couple of cost-sensitive open source projects in the works: Lemon Curry and an unnamed printer by Christopher Jansen.

Both are still in the experimental stage, but expect to deliver low-cost, open source solutions that any person should be able to put together and get running. In the case of Jansen’s printer, his running tally of costs is under $200, including a used DLP projector from eBay.

http://blog.ponoko.com/2012/04/11/open-source-resin-3d-printers-in-development/

Stitch, costure as contas da sua Empresa

Mais coisas boas que a Ponoko nos traz... Stitch, um software para Pequenas Empresas:

Stitch — software to manage your small business! (Get a FREE 45 day trial from Ponoko)

You make stuff. Stitch makes selling your stuff easier.

People don’t just make cool lookin’ stuff with Ponoko — they start their own maker businesses! (You can check out their stories in our new blog series “Retail Ready“.)

So when we came across Stitch, a new subscription-based software for managing your small business, we thought “We should share this with our customers! And see if we can get it to them for FREE!”

http://blog.ponoko.com/2012/04/11/stitch-—-software-to-manage-your-small-business-get-a-free-45-day-trial-from-ponoko/

Piranhas, Vinho e um Motor esférico

Um Barco que promete re-definir a Guerra naval , e esperemos, a luta contra os Piratas, que ainda há muitos, e sem serem os do Capitão Sparrow:

Unmanned nanomaterial Piranha threatens to redefine naval warfare


By James Holloway

You've heard of UAVs, unmanned remote controlled military aircraft; but what about USVs? Standing for Unmanned Surface Vehicle, a USV is quite simply an unmanned boat, like Zyvex Marine's Piranha concept. We've looked at USVs before, and the Piranha specifically in early 2010; but what was then a prototype under development is now a fully-fledged production craft, having shipped its first unit last November. "Our production facility is closer to rocket science than traditional boat building," says Zyvex Marine VP Byron Nutley of his boat - the only one in the world, it's claimed, that is made out of nanomaterials.

http://www.gizmag.com/zyvex-piranha-usv/22078/

Sabiam que o Vinho Tinto tem um Composto que combate a Obesidade?

Compound found in red wine could help fight obesity


By Bridget Borgobello

Researchers from Purdue University in Indiana are testing a compound found in red wine that has the ability to block the processes of fat cell development. The research into the compound known as piceatannol may lead towards finding a simple method to combat obesity.
Piceatannol results from the conversion of resveratrol – a compound found in red wine, grapes and peanuts that is also thought to combat cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. When resveratrol is converted into the piceatannol compound, which naturally occurs after consumption, the compound has the ability to delay fat cell growth.

http://www.gizmag.com/red-wine-compound-fight-obesity/22081/

E deleitem-se a ver este vídeo, uma maravilha de Relojoaria Suíça, mas num Motor a Explosão que promete:

 

Visitem este Site, para mais coisas bacanas:

http://www.monotracer.ch/

3D, e màquinas no Google Sketchup

Antes de mais, uma Feliz Páscoa!

Eis o topo-da-linha em Impressão 3D Profissional, sem dúvida, num Vídeo em Espanhol:

Porém, esta incrível Máquina, muito mais barata, nunca vos deixará mal, que perfeiçâo de detalhes, e o melhor, em altura, é muito capaz de fazer tudo o que queiram:

Miicraft’s high resolution 3D printer
New high resolution kitset 3D printer in the works!

MiiCraft are a group of 3D printing enthusiasts who’re building a new high resolution 3D printer. They’re aiming for a price point of USD$2000 and hope that to release their evaluation kitset by about June of this year.

http://blog.ponoko.com/2012/04/08/miicrafts-high-resolution-3d-printer/

Atenção, a Inovação 3D também fala Português, eis o Brasileiro Júnior Veloso, e uma máquina comparável:

Fundraising begins for Junior Veloso’s resin-based 3D printer

Long-awaited project aims to raise $300,000

Well, it took a bit longer than the post last month indicated, but Junior Veloso’s awesome-looking resin-based 3D printer is now taking preorders.

Since the project will need a certain minimum amount of interest to be practical, the preorders are being done in the form of an Indiegogo campaign. (Indiegogo is similar to Kickstarter, but with more flexibility in funding and location terms.)

Here’s how the main campaign levels break down:

– $599 Basic Kit I

Software, controller board, schematics/plans

– $1,999 Basic Kit II

Above, plus motors, linear actuators, power supply, building tray, building head

– $3,999 Full Kit

Above, plus DLP projector, 1kg of resin, assembly tools

http://blog.ponoko.com/2012/04/04/fundraising-begins-for-junior-velosos-resin-based-3d-printer/

E vão de vez em quando à Inventables, para além de Materiais incríveis, para as vossas Engenhocas, como Spray de Moldar, Aço Tranparente, e Couro de Peixe(!), eles oferecem esta máquina CNC:

https://www.inventables.com/

E qua tal, contruírem as vossas Máquinas, que funcionam, rodam, interagem, etc. no Google Sketchup?
Atenção, é um pouco complicado, mas vai-se lá!

Tutorial: Gears & Joints with SketchUp and SketchyPhysics

Continuing my commitment to using free software even though it drives me up the wall sometimes

Following my recent obsession with drawing machines, I’m working on a new project with lots of gears and linkages. I figured it would be a good time to learn how to do mechanical modelling in SketchUp. Sketchy Physics is a plugin for Google SketchUp that allows you to simulate mechanical models. It is very capable but also very frustrating!

http://blog.ponoko.com/2012/04/06/tutorial-gears-joints-with-sketchup-and-sketchyphysics/

Um Concurso, e um Novo Material em 3D

Eis um Concurso para toda a espécie de Engenhocas, eles ajudam a arrancar com as Ideias:

Dear Entrepreneur,

Beta-i is happy to announce the next edition of Beta-start, which will be focus on Energy and Transports Startups.

Beta-start is an acceleration program from Beta-i designed to help early and seed stage entrepreneurs turning their ideas into a viable and successful business. Throughout the 5 weeks program entrepreneurs are challenged to improve their prototype and business model with the support of seasoning mentors, expert trainers and a collaborative and hands-on approach.

During the Beta-Start acceleration program entrepreneurs will be coach to present your idea to potential customers, partners, cofounders and investors.

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/

A Sculpteo tem este novo Material para Impressão 3D, Alumide, um Compósito de Plástico e Alumínio:

Alumide

Alumide is a blend of polyamide and grey aluminium dust. Strong, slightly flexible material that can withstand some pressure when bent. The surface has a grainy, sanded appearance and is slightly porous with shiny aluminium dust on it. 

Technology

Alumide objects are produced by laser sintering of alumide powder. The models are printed layer by layer by a laser that draws the object in the powder, by solidifying the material. Layer thickness is 0.1 mm and the minimum size of visible details on the model is 0.5 mm. Minimum wall thickness for this technology is 1 mm. Alumide is more rigid than regular plastic. This material is convenient for complex models and moving parts. Maximum size is 308 x 308 x 600 mm (12.1 x 12.1 x 23,6 inches).

• Matte Grey
• Strong
• Convenient for complex models and moving parts

 http://www.sculpteo.com/en/materials/alumide/

Medicina e Tecnologia

Estas duas Gerigonças são muito importantes, porque podem salvar vidas!

O SmartWatch detecta possíveis ataques Epilépticos, e avisa, se o paciente não puder, alguém pelo telemóvel;

E na Universidade Johns Hopkins, está-se a estudar Software que pode até parar os ataques!

New technologies detect seizures, and could possibly even eliminate them

By Ben Coxworth

Seizures can be very scary experiences for people who suffer from them, especially since they may sometimes result in the need for medical attention. Unfortunately, they often come on so fast that the people getting them aren’t able to get out a call for help beforehand – they simply have to ride out the seizure on their own, and hope for the best. Now, however, two new technologies may be able to help.

A wearable alert device

The watch, known as the SmartWatch, is made by California-based tech company SmartMonitor. It can be worn 24 hours a day, and detects repetitive, excessive arm motions outside of the user’s regular movement spectrum, associated with grand mal seizures.

A system to stop seizures

At Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University, meanwhile, assistant professor of biomedical engineering Sridevi V. Sarma is leading research into software that could more efficiently stop seizures before they happen.

Currently, when people are prone to seizures that don’t respond to drug treatment, they sometimes have electrodes surgically implanted in their brains. Algorithms running in an accompanying electronics package monitor the brain’s electrical activity, and cause the electrodes to administer a electrical pulse to the brain, when seizure-like activity is detected. While this setup is often effective at stopping the seizure from proceeding, it is also very prone to false alarms.

http://www.gizmag.com/smartwatch-anti-seizure-software/22064/

Em Àreas onde falta tudo, eis uma maneira de desinfectar as mãos, por Plasma, que elimina Bactérias... Que é uma limpeza!

Battery-powered plasma flashlight makes short work of bacteria

By Darren Quick

An international team of scientists has created a handheld, battery powered device that has been shown to effectively rid skin of bacteria in an instant by blasting it with plasma. The plasma flashlight, which shouldn’t be confused with a plasma torch that will damage much more than bacteria if used on the skin, could provide a convenient way for paramedics and military personnel to deal with harmful bacteria in the field.

The self-contained device is powered by a 12 V battery and doesn’t require any external gas feed or handling system. The plume of plasma it generates is between 20-23°C (68-73.4°F), so it won’t damage the skin. It is also fitted with resistors to stop it heating up and becoming too hot to touch. Its creators say it can also be easily manufactured at a cost of less than US$100 per unit.

http://www.gizmag.com/plasma-flashlight/22075/

Não tem muitos usos Médicos, mas muitos usos na Oficina, um Aquecedor por Inducção:

30 kVA Induction Heater

Induction heaters are used to heat conductive materials in a non-contact process. Commercially, they are used for heat treating, brazing, soldering, etc., as well as to melt and forge iron, steel, and aluminum.
This Instructable will walk you through the construction of a high-power (30kVA) heater, suitable for melting aluminum and steel. Note that to take full advantage of this design, you will need a 220V outlet, at least a 50A single-phase one and preferably a 50A or 60A 3-phase outlet
http://www.instructables.com/id/30-kVA-Induction-Heater/