Jan 21, 2015 | By Simon
While we’ve seen more 3D modeling apps for creating custom colored bowls, vases and similar items than we can count, none have offered such a high degree of personalization that we would be able to add elements of our ancestry to it before 3D printing. A Mexican 3D printing company wants to change this however and they’re starting with a new app that they’re developing called Ancestros 3D.
The company, Ideaz3D is also the first 3D print shop and showroom in Mexico that has opened its doors to the public. Founded by 3D printing specialist Dr. Javier Munguia and former tech journalist Cesar Rodriguez, the company offers a range of 3D printing-related services including prototyping, 3D modeling and 3D printing, at affordable prices.
Munguia and Rodriguez founded the company in 2012 as a home-based business before expanding to a shopping center in Hermosillo, Sonora in 2013. When the store first opened, it featured six 3D printers, a 3D scanner and a 3D printing booth. Due to high demand, the business has since grown and Munguia and Rodriguez have expanded the number of 3D printers they have in-store, added 3D printing training, technical support, sales and have even become the very first MakerBot reseller in Mexico. Naturally, their next step in expanding their 3D printing empire would be to create their first 3D printing app.
The Ancestros 3D app, which allows users to tap into their ancestry, features a variety of pre-built templates for a user to customize per their liking. Among the models featured include jewelry (rings, bracelets and necklaces) and a series of accessories (charms). Once a pre-made 3D model is chosen, the app allows for a user to create their own jewelry collection based on various decorative elements from three Mexican cultures (Aztecs, Mayans and Yaquis) that are pre-loaded with the app. Once a final design is determined, an STL file is generated and can be sent directly to a 3D printer or a third-party 3D printing service.
While the first generation of the app will be focused on Mexican heritage, the pair want to expand it in the near future to include other ancient civilizations and cultures including Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, Roman, Greeks, Vikings, Incas, Atlanteans and Babylonians, among others.
The pair started their app through a discussion with both MakerBot and Shapeways. While they wanted the app to be MakerBot-ready, they also wanted to allow users to print their models directly from the web-based Shapeways in the case that a user did not have access to the app or own a 3D printer.
To help spark some interest, Munguia and Rodriguez have created some items using their app that they have uploaded to MakerBot’s Thingiverse. Currently, the pair are in the process of raising funds to finish developing the second part of the app with the plan of making it both free and educational for users of all levels.
You can stay updated on the Ancestros app over at Ideaz 3D.
Posted in 3D Design
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"While the first generation of the app will be focused on Mexican heritage, the pair want to expand it in the near future to include other ancient civilizations and cultures including Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, Roman, Greeks, Vikings, Incas, Atlanteans and Babylonians, among others." They want to add Atlanteans? As in the mythical continent of Atlantis? Sign me up.
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