Development in 3D printing

The latest printer from "Objet Geometries" will print mixed material assemblies in one go. I guess that this is like the move from black and white printers to the first colour printers.

Article

Google goes green

The global internet search company have announced that they are to invest "Hundreds of Millions" of dollars into finding cheep and clean sources of energy.

They believe that the goal can be achieved in years and not decades

Guardian Article

Slowly does it

You may have come across a book called "In Praise of Slow" by Carl Honore

The principles can be summarised as:

1.To strive for appropriate excellence in the making process
2. To make objects that enhance the life of the user
3. To know the origins of our materials, ensuring that they respect country; the communities who produced or harvested them and are from sustainable sources
4. To make objects that will last, can be easily repaired when necessary and are made using materials and processes that do not harm the makers, the community or the environment
5. To deal with our co-workers, clients, suppliers and sellers in an ethical and fair manner
6. To foster, utilise and pass on skills that enhance the making process
7. To enjoy and relish the way of slow making

Sounds good to me.

"What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare"

Craft Robo Cutter

The following video was posted on the blog of a colleague in Bristol, The video may be helpful to show the potential of the craft Robo.

To see the article click here: http://twowhizzy.blogspot.com/ 

Brother Sewing Machine

This little machine is getting good reviews but I can’t find it in the UK. I guess that even with shipping it’s unlikely to cost over £50 per unit although you may have to pay import tax. Perhaps Amazon can arrange a delivery?

Has anyone tried it in a school environment?

Online Review

Power from Space

It may be possible to beam solar power directly from space. Work is currently underway and th Pentagon’s National Security Space Office says that it confidently expects to see "a basic proof-of-concept within 4-6 years.

This could be a major source of power within 40 years.

Guardian Article

Wind Up Power units

Some neat power units have been developed with 3^rd world homes in mind.

Using the same technology at the Trevor Bayliss ‘Wind Up Radio’ this unit will provide lighting for around 2 hours. Not only is expected to make a massive impact in life in sub Saharan Africa, it’s also environmentally friendly.

BBC Article

Amazon have these in a smaller scale if you want one now (nice Christmas present for I’d say!). Only LED power but better than a candle! (£7.50)

Amazon