Back in 1984, when I read George Orwell’s eponymous classic in my first-semester senior English class, I didn’t know that the concept of Big Brother would one day evolve from a fearsome totalitarian entity into a source of entertainment for my family.
For those unfamiliar with the reality competition TV show “Big Brother,” the premise is that contestants live together for roughly three months in a house (television studio) under the watchful eye of 24/7 surveillance while competing for prizes. The American version launched in 2000 (original began in 1999 in the Netherlands), and I have been a fan since about 2003 (judge if you must). My oldest son is also a fan, and we have watched the show together since he was a boy; it’s our thing.
Last month, one of the gifts I received from him for Mother’s Day was a “Big Brother” housekey. This is something that contestants are given when they have won the opportunity to be on the show, and IMO an incredibly thoughtful present.
I couldn’t help but notice that the key was personalized using my favorite color and a sweet inscription, as well as being 3D printed, so I asked him where he found it. He said he had custom-ordered it on Etsy. When the show first aired 25 years ago, there were no Etsy shops yet (the American e-commerce company for unique and creative goods was founded in June 2005) and the idea of selling 3D-printed products was just beginning to gain traction.
In a very short period of time we’ve seen huge headwinds in the world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Once limited to at-home creative projects and prototyping, additive manufacturing plays a major role in production across multiple sectors such as aerospace and defense, medical device design, automotive, consumer products and more. Companies are using this technology to streamline processes, reduce waste and create tailored solutions to complex design challenges.
As part of Machine Design’s audience, you know that each project demands unique specifications, and oftentimes 3D printing or other additive manufacturing methods can provide the flexibility and adaptability that are not able to be achieved using traditional manufacturing methods. You also know that before a 3D model can be printed, it must be designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Well-designed CAD files will make the difference between a successful print and a frustrating failure.
While my son didn’t create that “Big Brother” housekey himself, the artisan behind it undoubtedly used CAD to design it and the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process on a basic 3D printer with PLA filament to realize it.
If 3D printing and CAD are your jam, then a good chunk of Machine Design’s content in July will be dedicated to you. We are working hard to prepare stories specifically on the subject of CAD/CAM/CAE for the week of July 14-20, when our website will be taken over with articles on the topic.
On July 29, we will be airing a webinar about additive manufacturing. Uncovering the Layers of Additive Manufacturing panelists will explore the latest trends, applications and best practices in additive manufacturing, including their impact on design, production efficiency, materials and sustainability.
As we prepare for this coverage, we are looking to gather your insights. Please participate in the quick survey below about how you’re using additive manufacturing and CAD in your facilities. Your feedback helps enrich our understanding of those working in the industry as well as fostering a community of shared knowledge among our engineering audience. Thank you. Until next time, stay curious.
