This kid has a future in inventing and sales. I love my 3D printer. Well, since I don’t have my own machine …  I love 3D printing. Here are the sites mentioned in the video: RepRap.org MakerBot.com Thingaverse.com Related Articles 3-D CAD Models – How to Prototype Just About Anything Machined Plastic Prototype – How [...]

3-D CAD is not a prototyping technique but rather a step in the process. If you want a precision part, then you need to have a 3-D CAD model made. CAD stands for computer aided design. It’s using powerful (expensive and hard to learn) software to generate a virtual model of the design on the [...]

On to Plastic Prototypes Getting a part CNC Machined. The prototype challenge brings us to a technique that most people do not have access to. It’s a great way to make a part that is very accurate and very strong since it’s made from a solid block of material. CNC stands for computer numerically controlled. [...]

Here’s the first method of prototyping I tried for prototyping challenge … Wood. Pros: Inexpensive, you can glue it, and its green Cons: Requires tools like a saw and sander, surface finishes can be a bit rough Cost: For me $0.00 since I have scrap wood in my garage and Best for: Proof of Concept [...]

Often times I like to charge my phone on my desk and also see what my phone is doing. I use it to check my Gmail throughout the day. So one Saturday I had an idea one day to make a desktop holder for my Droid X phone. I don’t like to buy stuff that [...]

A picture is worth 1,000 words but a prototype can be priceless. A prototype is a visual (and often physical) representation of something that is either bigger, more complex or more expensive. Prototypes are essential for Invention Addicts and prototyping skills can be learned with minimal investment in time and money, I’m starting a series [...]

Viva la Revolution … the New Industrial Revolution that is. Power to the people to design and manufacture their own products. A virtual factory is at your fingertips. I heard about two prototyping sites from one of the Quirky.com members Rowan None. The first is emachineshop.com The other is Shapeways.com Not up to doing you [...]

A few weeks ago I posted about a prototyping material called Shape Lock or Polymorph. I purchased a pound of material from McMaster Carr because they had the best price. Package came with directions and the material was called Jett Basic. Here is what I learned: Everything is always easier to do on YouTube! The material is [...]

You have to see this stuff. It is so cool. It is a biodegradable plastic (like nylon) that has a low glass transition temperature meaning that it get soft and pliable like putty at around 180 deg F. It stiffens at room temperature and it’s colorable. I hear it’s paintable but I need to do some [...]

Don Brown has a great collection of videos. Check out his site Invent Yourself Rich. Prototypes are very important for the following reasons: Tells you if the idea will work Adds credibility when you present the idea to a licensee It helps you learn where you product is deficient and can even spur you on [...]