In many ways, we are already living in the future. As the rate of technology development continues to accelerate, ideas that were once considered far-out science fiction are becoming daily realities.

Topics: Printers, 3D, CAD

The fifth generation of MakerBot Replicator 3D Pprinters is now more functional, convenient, and accurate thanks to the new software and firmware packages released just last month. This desktop software package was developed in response to customer feedback. MakerBot is still working on some additional features, but didn't want to hold up the release date for those items.

Topics: Printers, 3D

Proper disposal of electronic data stored on a large format printer’s disk drive is imperative to preventing inadvertent disclosure of sensitive or confidential information.

Data-sensitive environments are no longer limited to defense agencies, power generation firms and related contractors, but include any enterprise that places a high value on its intellectual property. These environments require specific security precautions to ensure the security and integrity of sensitive and confidential information.

Topics: Data Security, Wide-Format Printers, Printers, Plotting, Connectivity, Large Format Printers, CAD

This series explains connectivity options for CAD hardware. The first post covered network connections and USB. Now we'll discuss PCI, FireWire and eSATA.

Topics: Workstations, Accessories, Hardware, WiFi, Printers, Connectivity, CAD

Connectivity is a generic term that describes how a computer connects to other devices to transfer data back and forth. The term covers everything from networks to wireless to printer cables. Based on the nature of CAD work, some sort of connectivity options are going to be required. This series will cover the major areas of connectivity to help you decide the right ones for your situation.

Networking: Ethernet and Wireless

Topics: Workstations, Accessories, Hardware, WiFi, Printers, Connectivity, CAD

In this series, I discussed ways to determine your needs and the different types of wide-format printers. Now let’s talk about setting it up.

Topics: Accessories, Hardware, Wide-Format Printers, Printers, Plotting, Large Format Printers, CAD

In part one of this series, I discussed ways to determine your needs. This is the most important step. It won’t matter what printer is purchased if it can’t do what you need it to do. This post will cover the different types of large format printers.

Topics: Accessories, Hardware, Wide-Format Printers, Printers, Plotting, Large Format Printers, CAD

Before CAD became our main design tool, we drew our creations on “the board.” Once drawings were complete, there was a physical product -- the drawing itself. It was very likely a piece of vellum or mylar or perhaps just a simple sheet of bond paper. I have even worked with drawings on linen. These drawings could be presented to a client, approval board or municipality. All you needed were copies. That was easy -- fire up the diazo and try not to inhale too many fumes.

Topics: Accessories, Hardware, Wide-Format Printers, Printers, Plotting, Large Format Printers, CAD