User:Llf5095
Introduction
Hello, my name is Leo Funk and I am currently an engineering student at the Pennsylvania State University planning on majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I am currently in my 4th semester here at Penn State and am expecting to graduate in May of 2016.
Blogs
I will be doing weekly blogs that are assigned topics for my Engineering 497J Class, Open Source 3-D Printing. My blogs will range in a variety of topics that all revolve around open source 3D printing.
Blog Number One – Wondering Around Thingiverse
This blog includes 5 items all meeting specific criteria that were found by me on Thingiverse.com. They were chosen just by looking through dozens of different designs relating to each category and choosing one that I felt best fit the category. The web addresses will be available below which is where all the STL files can be downloaded.
“1. Something that is amazing or beautiful”
Certain objects on Thingiverse just appear as if they would make amazing centerpieces. This object embodies that. It seems to be very much shaped by math and logic other than art, but the “Cantilevered Orb Neti Pot” by “goldbeard” really looks like it could be a great conservation piece in anyone’s home, apartment, dorm room, or office plus planting the right plant inside could really make this a great looking object. It really is unique and is something that definitely not everyone would have.
“2. Something that is funny or strange”
Internet memes have become increasingly popular over the past few years and the “Me gusta” meme is definitely one of those that everyone at one time or another comes across on the internet. Thingiverse has a 3D printable coin-like face uploaded by “Nudel-P”. It’s definitely another one of those things that would make a great piece to just leave lie on a desk or stick to the wall in an office. It’s sure to get some smiles from passersby and maybe even lighten your own day.
“3. Something useless”
While Thingiverse has some great and useful designs on it, it has a plethora of objects that really have no use. I think that the “Sharknado” takes the cake. It seems to be a cub or vase that is themed around the movie “Sharknado” that came out earlier in 2013. The movie was about a tornado that took sharks and through them into urban areas and it was about as good as this vase is useful.
“4. Something useful”
In modern day, nearly everyone has a computer and while we try to be as wireless as we can be, sometimes we can’t avoid it. USB cables have a tendency to be one of the most common cables to use temporary items on our computers and they tend to get clutter and tangled with other cords. I feel that this “Dummy USB Port” by “mirk” on Thingiverse is a great and very simple idea. After searching dozens of intricate designs I reverted back to this because, frankly, my desk is a mess and something to keep my USB cables off the ground would do wonders for my organization. I know that I am not the only one afflicted by this and that’s why this small simple 3D printable object made it on my list.
“5. The ‘best’ printable Raspberry Pi case”
The Raspberry Pi is a very popular piece of hardware anymore and since it only costs around $35 it would seem a little silly to put it in a case that costs many times more than that so a 3D printed case seems like a viable option. The best case on Thingiverse in my opinion is the “Tinkercad” by “Cinezaster”. It’s more rounded than nearly all of the other ones most commonly found of the internet which gives it a more unique look. The vents throughout it make that small Raspberry Pi look as if it’s an impressive and aggressive piece of hardware.
So, do any of these things surprise you?
To be completely honest, they really don’t. I do really like all of these printable objects (even the Sharknado cup). They are all wonderful ideas. I think they all have their own place and that they show fine execution by their authors, but they aren’t really anything that blows the mind of myself.
The Links:
1. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:62043
2. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11577
3. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:134722
