4 awesome 3D prints this week: 'Resonance' speakers, Wolverine knife holder, 'Kobra' camera accessory, DIY disc shooter

Sep 21, 2017 | By Tess

With all the big industrial 3D printing news we’ve been seeing, it can sometimes be easy to overlook smaller, more grassroots 3D printing projects. Don’t worry though, because we’ve got some great 3D printing projects for you right here. If you’ve been looking for a fun way to spruce up your home or a cool gadget to play with, we highly suggest checking out these 3D printed designs.

3D printed ‘Resonance’ speakers

First up is a speaker set that has been 3D printed using FDM technologies. The sleek-looking product, dubbed Resonance, is notable for effectively combining hi-def sound with low-res hardware.

Developed by designer Callum Allen, the Resonance speakers embrace the imperfections associated with FDM 3D printing, including layer ridges.

The speaker encasement was 3D printed on an UP BOX 3D printer using a wood-based PLA filament. This print was then filled with a resin-plaster mix, which also captured the rough 3D printed aesthetic as well as additional nicks and chips.

And while the 3D printed speakers might not be for everyone, there certainly is a market for rugged, industrial-style appliances and devices. These features certainly give the Resonance speakers their distinct charm.

3D printed Wolverine knife holder

If you thought your wooden block knife holder was doing the trick, just wait until you see these amazing (and dangerous?) 3D printed Wolverine knife holders. The subversive appliance gives the middle blade to safety kitchen standards and shows that maybe it’s okay to display your knife collection blades-up.

The entertaining (but maybe not totally useful) kitchen appliance was designed by ifindustries and was 3D printed from a white plastic material. The fists, which can each fit three knives, make it look as though Wolverine is about to burst through your kitchen counter.

If you’re wary of having these props in use in your kitchen—forget reaching for a knife haphazardly—maybe they’d be better suited as a Halloween decoration? In any case, if you want to get your hands on a set of the Wolverine knife fists, you can order them via ifindustries’ Etsy page for $40.

3D printed ‘Kobra’ camera flash modifier

Moving away from home accessories, this next 3D printed product is still quite photogenic. (You'll also want it for taking snaps of the Wolverine knife holder you've just bought.)

Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Kobra Flash Modifier System is aimed at offering photographers an effective and affordable way to properly diffuse and soften light from a flash.

Developed by design studio Red Tusk LLC, the flash device is the product of nearly 30 3D printed prototypes, and promises good photographic results. Molded from a soft but durable silicone material, the camera accessory is also easy to transport, as it can be folded or tucked away when it’s not in need.

“The KOBRA was made to give photographers an effective flash modifier solution that is lightweight, flexible, and with an attractive design,” said photographer Paul McKelvey, who came up the product.

“As a professional photographer, I have used all the ‘on camera flash’ modifiers that are available and have been unsatisfied with the results. I decided to stop complaining and make my own.”

Through the Kickstarter campaign, backers can choose from various rewards, including a super early bird $40 KOBRA Gel Kit, a $58 KOBRA Diffuser Kit, and more.

3D printed ‘disc shooter’

Probably the most playful 3D print of the bunch, the whole purpose of this 3D printed disc shooter is to destroy or knock things over, so it might not be great for use around your upward-facing knives!

The device, designed by Youtube maker Austin Blake, is a 3D printed disc shooter, which is powered by a brushless DC motor. Built to throw small 3D printed discs with force, you could happily while away the hours with the 3D printed projectile launcher.

The disc shooter is composed of both 3D printed and wooden parts, though Blake says he will soon provide the files to 3D print all the parts. The mechanics of the launcher involve a motor-powered vacuum belt which pulls the discs from a makeshift barrel and shoots them at high speed.

Blake has also integrated an Arduino Nano and an ESC which can control the brushless motor via a potentiometer knob on the side of the device. The 3D printed disc shooter can reportedly hold up to 27 individual discs, so there is lots of shooting to be done before a reload.

In the demonstration video, Blake shows how powerful his DIY disc shooter is, using it to pop balloons, topple cans, crack plaster, and even cut into an apple. Check out his video to see all the build details.

Posted in Fun with 3D Printing

Maybe you also like:

www.3ders.org

3D printer and 3D printing news