Looking for that 3D shape that looks kinda like … umm … [Drawing: squiggle-squiggle-squiggle] … this right here! [Points at a drawing board.] Well, 3Dshap.es has now launched a public beta that looks to be that text and visual reverse-dictionary you need when searching for ideas, places to start, things to print out, and things to add to a composition.
So if you want to look for those, um, tall twirly bits at the edge of that boxy thing, can’t remember what they are called, and have a model that is similar, give this a try and see if the service can find something for you. Over time, as they bring in more content from other repositories all over the world, perhaps the shapes you know and love will appear there, too!!
From the 3Dshap.es press release:
The 3Dshap.es platform is powered by 3DI’s proprietary 3D search algorithms which organize and search by shape and form. This offers more powerful, accurate, speedy and intuitive navigation of 3D content compared to conventional search engines based on textual and numerical tagging. In this way, it also overcomes differences in language, labeling and naming conventions.
Seena Rejal, CEO and Founder of 3Dindustri.es, says, “there is rapid proliferation of 3D printable content on the Web, yet most of this remains disparate, piecemeal, disorganized and unprotected. Effective ordering and navigating of this growing online universe of 3D models and databases in order to feed the expanding installed base of 3D printers, can determine the 3D printing sector’s ability to sustain continued growth and expansion.”
Using simple drag-and-drop functionality, users can upload 3D models of shapes similar to those they are seeking, or can choose from a selection of basic geometries and sample shapes to initiate and refine searches.
3Dshap.es aims to make every online 3D printable model instantly searchable and is partnering with major online databases and content providers to deliver this. Meantime, many of the freely available shapes on the Internet, including those from leading 3D printing communities, have been catalogued by the platform.
…“The explosion in 3D Web content means conventional text-based search is no longer sufficient”, says Rejal. “Put simply, 3D printing demands 3D search.”
Every Thursday is #3dthursday here at Adafruit! The DIY 3D printing community has passion and dedication for making solid objects from digital models. Recently, we have noticed electronics projects integrated with 3D printed enclosures, brackets, and sculptures, so each Thursday we celebrate and highlight these bold pioneers!
Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi to the back of your HD monitor? And don’t forget the countless LED projects that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D!
The Adafruit Learning System has dozens of great tools to get you well on your way to creating incredible works of engineering, interactive art, and design with your 3D printer! We also offer the LulzBot TAZ – Open source 3D Printer and the Printrbot Simple Metal 3D Printer in our store. If you’ve made a cool project that combines 3D printing and electronics, be sure to let us know, and we’ll feature it here!
