👋 Welcome to The Filament Feed!

Today’s top stories: Prusa Academy releases new product photography course, Protolabs introduces new PA 12 glass bead material, & a US Army 3D printing robot using AI.

🤩 Hobbyist 3D Printing

Prusa Academy Releases Basics of Product Photography Course (3 minute read) - Link

Prusa Academy just released a new course designed to teach you the basics of product photography. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to improve the way they photograph their creations, including 3D printed models, crafts, or anything else you might create.

The course emphasizes that you don't need expensive equipment or an in-depth understanding of photography to capture great product photos. Instead, it focuses on core concepts like exposure, composition, and lighting, all explained in a clear and accessible way. You'll also learn practical tips for setting up your scene and basic post-processing techniques.

The course is currently available in English, with German, Czech, and Polish versions coming soon, the course costs just €19.90 (or $17.99).

🏭 3D Printing Industry

Protolabs introduces PA 12 glass beads material for HP Jet Fusion printers (2 minute read) - Link

Protolabs is expanding its HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing capabilities with the introduction of PA 12 Glass Beads Smooth Grey. This innovative material is particularly well-suited for applications requiring high heat resistance,dimensional stability, and long-term wear resistance. The 40% glass bead filling allows parts made from this material to maintain their shape and function even in hot environments, making them ideal for components like engine cooling systems and control cabinets. This new material also boasts improved tolerance levels, ranging from +/- 0.25mm to 0.002mm.

Beyond its technical specs, the PA 12 Glass Beads Smooth Grey opens doors for new applications across various industries. Protolabs highlights its commitment to helping engineers and designers turn their ideas into reality by offering this versatile material for small batch productions and prototypes.

3D Printing Robot uses AI Machine Learning for US Army Research (6 minute read) - Link

BU researchers created MAMA BEAR, an AI-powered robot that 3D prints and tests tiny structures to optimize energy absorption. Through millions of iterations, MAMA BEAR achieved a record-breaking 75% efficiency, surpassing previous limits. This innovation has applications in protective gear and various industries. MAMA BEAR is part of a fleet of research robots in the lab, designed to accelerate scientific discovery.

😎 Cool 3D Prints

Cascade Card Wallet - Print in Place (Hugo on Printables) - Link

Why spend $15, $20, or even $40 on a wallet when you can spend less than a dollar on filament and get this fantastic looking wallet?! Similar to yesterday, this is all print in place so once it’s done there’s no hassle to put it together. Just free up the joints, and you’re ready to go! If you give it a go, it looks like the creator advises to best print it in PETG, which should stand up a little better to the abuse some wallets see.

Fruit Fly Trap (NUKDDD on Maker World) - Link

‘Tis the season. With spring and summer finally here, fruit flies can now be found. If you happen to have an infestation, these traps are great at capturing and killing them off! Simply print, fill a Ball or Kern jar with a little apple cider vinegar and screw this on the jar. The flies will go in but can’t get out.

Additionally, there is a link on the MakerWorld page for some sticky traps that you can cut down to size and it in the top of the cap for additional sticky fly catching action.

🔗 Quick Links

Deal of the Week

🛠️ 25% Off Falcon2 Pro 40W/22W Laser Engraver/Cutter - Link

Limited Time Offer: 25% off! (Retail: $2,098, Sale: $1,659)

Unleash your creativity with the Creality Falcon2 Pro Laser Engraver & Cutter!

This FDA Class 1 certified laser engraver offers:

• Safe and secure operation for home use

• 360° visibility for monitoring your projects

• Wide engraving area (400x415mm) for handling various designs

• Choice between 22W and 40W laser power for precise engraving or clean cutting

🤩 Recent Slicer Updates

• OrcaSlicer - 2.0 Official - 3/30/2024 -(GitHub)

• Cura - 5.7.1 - 4/24/2024 (GitHub)

• PrusaSlicer - 2.7.4 - 4/5/2024 (GitHub)

• Bambu Studio - 1.9.1 Public Official- 5/12/24 (GitHub)

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You can always send an email to me, Alex, at [email protected]

Until tomorrow!