April 17, 2013
Even though 3D design programs are getting more user-friendly and accessible they are still pretty difficult for average person. Websites like Thingiverse provides thousands of open-source 3D designs that you can download and print out, but it is much nicer that you can simple print out your own drawings.
Doodle3D, created by Rick Companje at FabLab Amersfoort, the Netherlands, is a very innovative, but simple and intuitive sketching software enabling everyone to make his own drawing come to life with a 3D printer. Anyone who can hold a pencil to make his drawing can use it to extrude and twist his design into 3D, without having to use complicated 3D modeling tools.
How does it work? You make a simple line drawing on a tablet, smartphone or computer then press "print". Your 3D printer will print out 3D objects from your 2D sketch. But you can do more with Doodle3D. A simple starting shape – like a circle – can be extruded, turned, twisted and bent into a spatial 3D object. This way your flat 2D drawing becomes an interesting 3D object with very few actions.
In addition Companje has also developed Doodle3D WiFi Box, a WiFi device connecting your iPad/iPhone/laptop to your 3D printer. Currently it supports Ultimaker, Printrbot, RepRap (Mendel, Prusa, i3 and others), Makerbot Thing-O-Matic and basically any other printing accepting 5D G-CODE over USB Serial. The Doodle3D software runs on the WiFi Box so you can just make sketchs in your browser.
In order to finish the development of Doodle3D the team is launching a campaign on kickstarter. By pledging $88 the Early Bird package backers can receive a WiFi Box with Doodle3D firmware. The raised money will be used by the team to facilitate Doodle3D's compatibility with mainstream OS and every 3D printer. Check the Doodle3D campaign here.
Posted in 3D Software
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doodle 3D is a great idea I am almost finished my 1st prusa i3 3D printer can't wait to use it