Each day, it seems, a new faster, cheaper, higher performing 3D printer comes to market. In addition, there are numerous articles about different materials and unique designs and products being created using the 3D printing technology. Thus, by all accounts, the 3D printing market is booming.
But, for this technology to really take off, it has to become very easy to use. As easy as a printer or a microwave oven to gain consumer adoption. For now, it’s growth is limited by the software or the need to know the software in order to make the printer work.
Unlike, the laser or dot matrix printer, that only required a user to know how to type on a computer to make the printer perform, the 3D printer requires rather sophisticated knowledge of difficult computer-aided design (CAD) software. It is “difficult” unless you have both design skills, animation skills and engineer skills, in my opinion.
This seems to be the major hurdle of 3D printing adoption – the need to know CAD deign.
My journey is to find a 3D CAD designer who can help me turn an idea and an image I have into a 3D design. It is not easy. I have approached Professor Monica Dean who said she will put me in touch with the professor at City College. They develop designs for people as a revenue stream for their department. Also, the evangelist from Shapeways says they put people in touch with 3D designers who can turn their idea into a 3D design. Also, I will check with the freelance designer website and post a job for a 3D designer.
So basically the desire to use and make a product using a 3D printer is limited by one’s access to to 3D CAD designers. Until that barrier is addressed and made easy, this will continue to limit 3D printing purchases and use.
In order for me to accomplish my goal to bring my product to life, I will first need to find a 3D CAD designer. I have the image, I know the specializations but I do not have the skills to take the flat image of my Afro Babies and make them into a prototype.
My mission is to hold this product in my hand as a 3D item and then mass customize its production through a 3D printing company. I am ready to begin this journey. On my next posts, you can follow it with me.
My plan is as follows:
1. Research 3D designers
2. Meet with each designer in person or via email
3. Send them my Afro Babies image and the specs and type of toy I have in mind
4. Work with the designer on getting the design correct and the colors of the outfits and phrase on the Afro Babies sign in place for mass customization
5. Send it off to Shapeways and other 3D manufacturers for a quote
6. Get the prototype made
7. Get the design photographed and begin to test its market viability
Your vision is great though I’m not sure it’s feasible to expect to make a product in such a short time. I’d break this down into something that you can actually accomplish. For instance, the first three steps seem like they could take you a long way toward your goal, and could be accomplished in the weeks ahead. perhaps you might add into that some research with other toy designers whose experience you might learn from, so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Looking forward to seeing what you do.