3D printing is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. This new technology has a promising future and may deeply affect our life. However, currently the price of a 3D printer is too high for us to afford. Then how about playing 3D printing apps on your iPhone and iPad?
As a saying goes, everyone can make creative designs. Here I've collected 5 interesting 3D printing applications from apple's app store, most of them are for iPad. With these apps, we can build 3D models of anything we like, then simply print our designs to real products by manufacturers.
No.1 Let's create! Pottery HD
Price: $4.99
Rated: 4+
Requirements: Optimized for iPhone 5. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Introduction: Making ceramics has never been more simple and fun! Become a true artist and create "one of a kind" pottery items. Throw the clay on the wheel, release all your artistic talents and take benefit of dozens of materials available to create your own design! You can imagine, create and then 3D print your own pot and order it straight from the app. Convert virtual pots into real objects which can be displayed on a shelf or be given to family or friends.
Screenshots:
No.2 3D Printing Sculpteo Design Maker
Price: Free
Rated: 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
Introduction:
Produced by Sculpteo, this designing and shaping app turns your iPhone or iPad into a sculpture tool, enabling you to create a unique personalized home collection. It’s easy to use with fast tools to help you express your personality in smart objects. Sculpteo then makes them come to life through its 3D-printing cloud engine.
Screenshots:
Price: $4.99
Rated: 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later.
Introduction: Create fantastic 3D characters like a pro with this Autodesk 123D Creature app! Design your creature, then sculpt detailed features and paint on skin, fur, feathers, or whatever you imagine. Export your finished creature as an image or 3D model, or have it 3D printed into a real sculpture!
Screenshots:
Price: Free
Rated: 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.1 or later.
Introduction: This is not only a game! Doll Factory is an epic and simple doll-maker app: free to play with, you can make as many digital dolls as you like in your very creative workshop. But this factory is extra special: every doll you make is unique and 3D printable. The factory can turn any one of them into a real, 10-inch high doll for you and mail it to you directly.
Screenshots:
No.5 Foldify
Price: $2.99
Rated: 9+
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
Introduction: Well, this is not the real meaning of 3D printing, but this app is so cool that we couldn’t resist sharing it. Draw, create, print and fold beautiful 3D figures with Foldify! You don't need drawing skills, Foldify has tons of free content to create amazing, high quality figures! Every action you take in the app is previewed in real-time 3D, without delays or extra steps.Then print your figure using AirPrint or send as a PDF by e-mail.You can also share your creations via email, or share with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Screenshots:
