A few weeks ago, I got a Media Beta Invite from a Social Media Strategist at Terpin Communications. They wanted me to check out a new company called Shapeways. I was informed that Shapeways is something that Philips is working on to bring 3D to reality. This is the pitch:

“Shapeways enables 3D artists, architects, product designers and consumers of all skill level to produce their 3D designs, reasonably priced, as physical printed objects easily online. Whether you want to create a new utensil, the ultimate toy or wacky piece of art, with Shapeways you can Do-It-Yourself (DIY) online. Users can create and modify their designs on Shapeways, or import from popular 3D modeling software In a few clicks, Shapeways checks whether the objects can be made and provides a real-time cost estimate. Within 10 working days, a tangible 3D product will be produced and arrive at the consumer’s home globally.” 

The image that you see above is a screen capture from my experience on Shapeways. I did not go through the entire process, because I don’t have anything to build right now. How could I? I didn’t even know this was possible! This would be great for people that wanted to pitch a new gaming idea or new character to represent a company for a more visual sale. That would bring characters to life before any mass production was even thought about. 

They have 4 materials to choose from to make your object, which are white, cream or transparent polycarbonates or acrylic-based photopolymers. Each material varies by finish, strength and heat resistance. While this is a great service for artists, we also have to think about these materials and how they will be effecting our environment in the future. Polycarbonate plastics are classified as #7 for recycling, but because these materials are chemically produced for long life and reuse, they are not recycled. So, they will end up in landfills….lots of small, cool characters will live well beyond our time buried in what I call “tellitubby” land a.k.a. the dump.