Yup. Here's a solar powered 3D printer that fuses sand into glass

In a world increasingly concerned with questions of energy production and raw material shortages, this project explores the potential of desert manufacturing, where energy and material occur in abundance.
In this experiment sunlight and sand are used as raw energy and material to produce glass objects using a 3D printing process, that combines natural energy and material with high-tech production technology.

Solar-sintering aims to raise questions about the future of manufacturing and trigger dreams of the full utilisation of the production potential of the world’s most efficient energy resource - the sun. Whilst not providing definitive answers this experiment aims to provide a point of departure for fresh thinking.

www.markuskayser.com

Steeling Art

I love art in all its various forms, but when I see someone create something beautiful and functional with metal, my mind reels. Perhaps it’s because it is one of the more difficult mediums to work with? I’m not sure, but I do know that to take iron or steel in its most raw (and unattractive) state and create art with it is indeed a gift.

In my recent perusal of the internet, I came across the website for Lynda Metcalfe. Lynda works out of her shop in Brasstown, NC and happens to create some of the most eclectic and gorgeous architectural iron work and jewelry I have ever seen. Her designs range from accent furniture, to iron railings and everything in between.

Check out her site here and be prepared to be amazed!

Raleigh Group Making Feature Film

Today I came across the page for "Remnants," a film being made right now in Raleigh.  Go have a look at their trailer!  I'm dying to see this movie already!

A rare astrological event causes a permanent worldwide black out, forcing residents of a middle-class suburb to get by with no modern conveniences.

The community pulls together and adapts to a simpler way of life, but their success draws the attention of the less resourceful residents in the area and soon results in a war between subdivisions.

This is their story.

I've talked before about how overwhelmingly creative the triangle area is and this just reinforces my belief: there's no place like North Carolina.  I also wanted to highlight this film because it shows that you don't have to operate robots, solder circuits, or weld to be a maker.  Making is all about engenuity and it looks like the team making Remnants has that in spades.

Thanks to Cox & Forkum!

I want to take a moment to thank the artists at Cox & Forkum for their generosity in donating the rights to use one of their excellent cartoons for the Maker Faire:NC 2011 T-shirt!  And no, I'm not going to spoil the surprise by telling you which cartoon was chosen by our shirt designer!  We will be offering the 2011 shirt for pre-order before the event.

Thanks so much, John and Allen!

3-D Printing Spurs a Manufacturing Revolution

Here's a good (if brief) article about 3-D printing courtesy of the New York Times.  Enjoy!

3-D Printing Spurs a Manufacturing Revolution

By ASHLEE VANCE

Published: September 13, 2010

New technology is giving rise to never-before-possible businesses that are selling products like iPhone cases, doorknobs, perfume bottles and architectural models.

Thanks, Courtney!