From Bits to Atoms
February 27th, 2008 (1:00pm) Mike Gunderloy 2 CommentsTweet This
Ponoko has an interesting business model: you design something on your computer, save an EPS file, and upload it to them. Then they turn their laser-cutter loose on your choice of wood or acrylic materials, and make actual physical copies for you. On their site, they show this technique being used for a variety of furniture, jewelry, games, and other items. It’s sort of what-you-see-is-what-you-manufacture.
With the operation currently being in New Zealand (with plans to expand to a US fabrication facility) and costs being relatively high, right now this is suited only for some small, high-markup niches. But with techniques like laser cutting and 3D printing becoming more widely available, it does indicate a potential future option for web workers: taking the design skills we use for bits and turning them into actual atoms.
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Thanks for writing about us Mike. It might seem futuristic but the option is available right now and it’s really time to have a go. Especially in areas like jewelry where the cost barriers are really minimal. We’re running a Design Challenge in early March open to anyone to design a piece of jewelry. Anyone who’s new to this idea but has design skills should have a go. It’s the perfect way to try it out. link below:
http://blog.ponoko.com/2008/02/19/the-ponoko-10-day-jewelry-design-challenge/
If you’re interested in following the news on 3D Printing and digital fabrication, you might consider reading our blog at Fabbaloo or http://fabbaloo.com