Just because you can, doesn't mean you should
You can 3D print a lot of things, but that doesn't mean it's wise.
3D printing is challenging the ideas of modern manufacturing. From rocket engine parts to prosthetics, 3D printing is opening many doors to the home builder. We have a few printers around the office and they are great for making small brackets, enclosures, and turtle action figures. But sometimes, ideas should just stay on the drawing board. For an upcoming episode of SparkFun Live, I sent out a quick, company-wide call for "terrible things to 3D print." Here is a sampling of what we got:
- Scissors
- Bike Lock
- Trailer Hitch
- Grilling Spatula
- Exhaust Brackets
- Hammer
- Replacement Ladder Rung
- Roller Blades
- Screw Driver
- Skateboard trucks
- House Key
- Dentures
- TV wall mount
- Soldering Iron Stand
- Slap Bracelet
I'll choose a few winners, print them, and put them to questionable and amusing use during SparkFun Live. For those who want to play along at home and submit item suggestions, here are some guidelines:
- Prints will be done on the LulzBot Mini 3D Printer
- Printing material is HIPS
- Keep it PG
If I end up picking one of your inadvisable ideas, we're willing to mail you the aftermath - potentially in unrecognizable condition - when all is said and done. How's that for an incentive?!
