In this instalment of Meet the Makers, we caught up with Barry Lock, the creator of that brilliant basketball egg cup we featured a while ago. Here, he tells us all about how he got into 3D printing...
What attracted you to 3D printing and model-making? Do you have a technical background at all?
I've known about 3D printing since I was studying my degree in mechatronic engineering - that was also my base background. After that, I earned a higher diploma in product design. And then I started my product design career about 10 years ago, in different categories: lighting, consumer electronics, small appliances, kitchenware and gifts.
What software do you use to design your projects? How did you learn to use it?
I use Rhinoceros to design my projects, and I learnt that through my work, about 7 years ago.
Why did you choose to get involved with 3D printing, rather than other kinds of making or designing? Are there things that you can do with 3D printers you otherwise couldn't?
In the past, every time I've needed something 3D printed, I had to ask a model maker to do it for me. Since I got my first self-operated 3D printer, which is a Replicator by MakerBot, I can do that by myself. The quality isn't always as good as I expect, but it is good enough for my development process.
And 3D printing really appealed to me because I can have my CAD designs realised accurately. For my “Basketball Egg Cup”, I don’t think that really can be done from any traditional manufacturing approach and in such accurate format. And for that, Shapeways is really helpful!
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get started with 3D printing, and didn't know where to start?
This really depends on which role you are. If he/she is a designer, of course, they need to learn some basic 3D CAD software as the minimum requirement. I would recommend Rhinoceros, as it’s very easy learning curve.
Check out some of Barry's designs on his Shapeways page, here.