Making Stuff: From Art to Part

I'm getting ready for the launch of a new invention, a Cookie Dunking Cup, (sign up here for Cookie Dunking updates!), and have some behinds the scenes stuff to share.

There's been a lot of talk lately about how cheap 3d printers are changing the face of manufacturing. For me, it's a true "started in the garage" sort of enabler. Basically, it let's me go all the way from art to part for cheap. It effectively lets me do a lot of engineering development and industrial design work before committing funds for metal tooling for injection molding.

For the cup, the idea popped into my head one day that the cup should have a wide mouth and a narrow groove for collecting the milk, resulting in high milk displacement when the cookie enters the groove. (If you've ever drank too much milk and couldn't reach in the glass to dunk, then you understand how this is useful.) I decided it was something awesome I wanted to make. I start with concept sketches. This sketch is towards the end of an ideation session.

Then I'll go to CAD modeling. For me, sketching is always waaaaaay faster than CAD. In my opinion, CAD is for implementing, it's not for exploring.

Then I'll send the part to my Solidoodle 3d printer. It takes a few hours to do a build this size. Check out the time lapse video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb9i8UyHVuk

Voila! A cup is born! I use the 3d print to get feedback on ergonomics, milk displacement during dunking, fit, etc.

There is a lot more work, like material selection, finishes, colors, etc to pick, and patent pending and other such nonsense, but the next step is send the part to an injection molder for mass production. That hasn't happened yet, but if you're curious... stay tuned and sign up here!