A Visit to 3D Systems SF

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go on a "field trip" to 3D Systems San Francisco office.  It's in a rather nondescript, black building in SoMa; you wouldn't even notice it if you weren't looking for the small metal plaque near the door.  But inside, it is a 3D printer wonderland!

Cadence

I was introduced to Seth Astle, Industrial Designer at 3D Systems and the designer of the awesome Cadence, a prosthetic limb and bike pedal combo that improves the existing experience for amputee cyclists.

Seth originally worked for San Francisco-based BeSpoke (which has since been acquired by 3D Systems).  This company is known for its Bespoke Fairings, often featured in this fairly iconic photo (below).  You can read more about these fairings on the website.  They are truly awesome, as in 'inspiring-awe.'

The first thing you see when you walk in the ground floor is a series of high-end 3D printers (more on this later).  The first thing you see upon walking upstairs is a row of Cubes (3D System's consumer product), furiously printing objects.

Seth talked a little bit about the process, and then showed off some really cool examples:

(paused mid-print to add metal rings)

(awesomely fine resolution)

(some whimsy in the shop)

And, then I saw THE WRENCH.  As in the ZCORP VIDEO WRENCH (3D Systems acquired ZCorporation in 2012).  As in, the video that started it all.  If you know me, I have probably made you watch this video!  In fact, why don't we watch it again?