Today is Sunday, meaning it is time for the week’s top 5 3D printing videos! First up, don’t miss this video on NBC discussing the Artemis II moon launch, which will see humans on the moon for the first time since 1969 which also delves into how NASA integrates AI to design 3D printed parts for space! Next, a blueprint of the world’s largest underwater coral reef structure which will be 3D printed using ceramic materials. Next, we kick off the holiday spirit with an behind-the-scenes tutorial to help you create an Easter egg gift decoration. Enjoy two guides that will provide information on Greyscale resin as well as 3D printing design. Happy Sunday and, as always, happy viewing!
Top 1: NASA Engineers employ A.I. for Space Parts Design
Three Americans and one Canadian are set to land on the moon for the first time since 1969 as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission that blasts off on November 2024. However, a surprise combination of Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing has allowed NASA’s engineering team to accelerate the design process, improve the reliability and performance of space parts, and ultimately advance our ability to explore and understand the universe. An AI system that analyzes large quantities of data from rocket engines in the past can predict which designs will succeed. This allows engineers and scientists to focus their efforts on the most promising options. “As engineers, we like to think that we’re designing the best possible part, but with this toolset, we can validate that we actually are”, Ryan McClelland is NASA’s materials engineer. The ability to quickly produce physical models from their AI-generated designs and test them for form and function can be achieved using 3D printing. Engineers can quickly prototype and identify design flaws, and then make improvements faster and more economically. The integration of AI and 3D printing in NASA’s space mission design process represents a significant leap forward in space exploration technology – we can expect even greater future advancements as AI and 3D printing continue to evolve.
Top 2: Leviathan 3D-Printed Ceramic Reef
Our second pick is a fascinating video showcasing a concept piece of the world’s largest 3D printed ceramic structure, the Leviathan Ceramic Reef, an underwater artificial 3D printed reef designed to promote marine life growth. The project is part a larger exhibition that demonstrates how to build a complete reef out of ceramics. This project is part the Israel’s design biennale. You can see it at the Eretz Museum. 3D printing revolutionized the way we see objects and create them. The Leviathan Reef is one example. The process involved printing individual ceramic modules, which are then assembled into the final structure. This project has a lot to do with the scale and potential of 3D printing. 3D printing is able to create complex forms and shapes, which opens up new opportunities for architecture, engineering, and art. The Leviathan Reef shows the power of technology, art and design.
Top 3: 3D-Printed Easter Egg Gift Decoration
For our third favorite video of the week, we’re bringing an Easter-inspired addition to the table! Brithawkes’ Easter egg decoration is 3D printed and can be personalized. The design features intricate patterns and shapes that are reminiscent of traditional Easter egg designs – except they’re fully 3D printed! The egg is printed using a high resolution 3D printer. This allows for intricate details to be printed. This video shows the entire process of printing, from the initial design phase up to the final product. It highlights the many possibilities 3D printing offers for customizing unique objects. This Easter egg gift decoration shows how 3D printers can be used to make unique and personalized gifts for every occasion. You can get in the Easter spirit by watching this tutorial:
Top 4: Formlabs Materials Explained: Greyscale Resins
Next up, take a look at Formlab’s brief-yet-informative explanation of everything you need to know about Greyscale Resins. You can learn a lot about the material, including the properties and post-processing steps. There are many uses for Greyscale Resins when printed on Formlabs SLA3D printers. The material has a matte finish and opaque appearance and fine details that can be used right out of the printer. This makes Black, White and Grey Resins a visually appealing and artistic material. Their neutral undertone makes them an ideal base for items to be painted or finished with other processes. To get further insight from the system’s principal developers on how it functions and was created, check out the video below:
Top 5: Design for Mass Production 3D printing: Electrical enclosures
For our last video in the Top 5 of the week, check out Slant 3D’s most recent beginner’s guide to designing 3D printed components and learn how to create a unique electrical enclosure that will be 3D printed! Below are all the design elements and details required to create an ESD-safe 3D printed electronics enclosure. This guide will help you to create a high quality enclosure.
What do YOU think of the combination of AI and 3D printers to create space-parts? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.