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The Fit & Finish of 3D Printed Objects just got a Ginormous Upgrade

Have you ever - EVER - seen 3D printed objects with this level of finish? EVER?

Have you ever – EVER – seen 3D printed objects with this level of finish? EVER?

I know it’s hard to believe, but I STILL don’t have a 3D printer. I’ve gotten close to jumping in on some low-cost Kickstarter 3D printers that have come up, but I don’t print in 3D often enough to justify the expenditure of several Benjamins when the industry is changing at break-neck speed. Despite not yet having a 3D printer, I’ve got my mouse-clicking finger hovering over the “back this project” button on this new gizmo that puts a spit-shine on 3D printed objects you have to see to believe. I have ordered some 3D printed objects from Shape Ways before and I’ve seen and handled a lot of 3D printed objects – and even the nicest don’t have the kind of finish you get from using the special PolySmooth filament and the amazing Polysher polisher that makes your finished project look like it was made from the finest injection mold money can buy. It makes supports super-easy to remove, too. It’s so exciting to see these changes in this industry. The 3D printer industry is more and more becoming affordable for the common man and like most technology, keeps getting better and more affordable at the same time.

luckycatsThis is Polymaker’s 2nd Kickstarter project – the last being an earlier iteration of their high-quality printing filament. Their polisher comes with a free spool of the PolySmooth and comes with all kinds of bells and whistles – including varied color lights in which to view your creation as it goes through the polishing process. Less than three weeks remain on this really neat and relatively affordable project on Kickstarter. For just $10, you can back the makers of the project and get a 3D printed animal (your choice of color) so you can have first-hand experience and knowledge of what this thing is capable of and let it inform your future buying decisions in this marketplace. At this writing, they have tripled their $100K funding goal and more than 2 weeks left until the campaign is over. If you do have a 3D printer, I don’t know how you’d be able to resist this thing.

You can back their campaign on Kickstarter, visit their website, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, watch them on YouTube, and collect their pins on Pinterest.

This, as Polymaker states, is where the magic happens. :)

This, as Polymaker states, is where the magic happens. 🙂

Gyroscope + Shiny Metal Top = Shiny Metal Object Noms

gyro

gyrobase

Look at that lovely machined base this thing rests in. LOOK AT IT! Looks reminiscent of a Star Wars-esque ship in orbit around the Death Star or something.

This. I had to spend money on it. Another thing I don’t “need” but wanted the minute I laid eyes on it… beautifully machined and balanced metal top (but wait, you already have one of those!) that is blended with a gyroscope (nope – ain’t got one of those – yet!) that is as hypnotic as it is lovely.  The gyro is pull-started by a kevlar string, from which it can also be suspended for further hypnotic gazes as it segues from gravitational forces to more centrifugal ones. In addition to the precision bearings and the balanced top that can be spun upside down or right side up, it also has a yummy metal base from which it can perch and gaze back at you on your desk as you slave away on code. All the while, the top awaits playtime like a faithful dog that never sheds.

Made of aircraft-quality aluminum, the top boasts a hefty size of 3″ high. This is big-boy-pants territory in top world, people!

Dubbed “Spin” by maker Simplistyk, the yummy top is available at half it’s MSRP for those who back it on Kickstarter. You can follow them on Facebook or on their website. As of this blog post, there are 12 days to on this Kickstarter project, after which prices will double, per the maker of the product.