Top 5 Videos: Reviving History With 3D Printing

Here we are again, another week, another assortment of fascinating videos delving into the world of 3D printing! Prepare for an interesting look back at the week in additive manufacturing as we highlight the test of an FPV (first person view) 3D printed quadcopter, the custom manufacture of a completely transparent Apple Airpod case, the custom design and manufacture of a 3D printed clock and engine, and utilizing AM to help preserve and recreate historical treasures. So give yourself a few minutes out of your busy day to relax and watch some videos, and let’s dive in!

Top 1: Using 3D Printing to Recreate Cultural Treasures

In this video, we take a trip to Korea to gaze upon the beauty of the gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje, a 7th-century Buddhist incense burner on display at the Buyeo National Museum. The piece is preserved behind glass, but recent efforts have been made through the process of digital 3D modeling and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, to recreate the national treasure on a large production scale. The mass production of this historical item allows the incense burner to be used and appreciated by people around the world, over 1400 years after its creation! (Note: For additional information throughout the music-only video, make sure to turn subtitles on.)

Top 2: Flying a 3D Printed Quadcopter in First Person

Our next video takes us in a much more modern direction, as we follow Michael Rechtin, as he continues the odyssey he began several months ago in another video where he created a 3D printed, remote-controlled quadcopter. Today, he elevates the challenge even further, as he installs a front-mounted camera on it (also with 3D printed mountings) and prepares to fly in first person. Through the challenges and tribulations he faces, we hope it might serve as a tale of inspiration, caution, and perseverance. And though all projects eventually come to an end, remember that the sky’s the limit!

Top 3: 3D Printing a Transparent Case for Your Apple AirPods

Scaling down in size but not in effort, this video follows the passion project of YouTube’s Exploring the Simulation who wants to make his AirPods case disappear…so to speak. With the help of a clear resin for SLA printing, and a great deal of personal touches, custom redesigns, and post-processing work, the result speaks for itself as a truly unique and cool piece of personal tech. Get drawn in by the mesmerizing montage of the process as the concept becomes reality. If anyone out there is looking for more ideas, I would love to see a transparent purple case next, like an old Game Boy Color!

Top 4: 3D Printing a Gas-Powered Engine

In this video we are joined by Camden Bowen, who walks us through his creation process to build a gasoline-powered engine, using 3D printed parts. In a similar vein to some of the above videos, we get to dive deep into the step-by-step process and witness his different successes and back-to-the-drawing-board moments, all while learning some pretty interesting things along the way, both related to 3D printing, and mechanics in general. So does this mean that we’ll be able to start driving fully 3D printed cars in the future? You’re going to have to watch his video to see how the test panned out!

Top 5: (Re) Designing and 3D Printing a Clock

Timepieces have taken many shapes and forms, from the sleek, new smartwatch, to the gargantuan grandfather clocks of yore. There has always been something fascinating about watching what makes these clocks ‘tick’. Doing precisely that, in this video by Maker Tales, we get to witness the creation of an entirely original concept for a 3D printed clock. From its first 3-dimensional designs on Blender, out onto the 3D printer build plate, and finally assembled for your viewing pleasure. You know what they say about time flying! Check it out for yourself here and enjoy!

Which of the Top 5 videos did you like most this week? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*Cover Photo Credits: London Korean Links