There have been a number of webshops where users can translate their Minecraft characters into 3D prints. And there are a few voxel-based 3D modeling apps being developed by 3D printing companies. LUBAS, from Thai start-up Treebuild, however, takes those two concepts, combines them, and spins them into a colorful, fun, and easy-to-use voxel 3D modeling app that anyone can access from their web browser.
The LUBAS interface is very straightforward: start with a blank canvas or a pre-populated template, and begin placing blocks. A handy shortcut legend at the bottom of the screen reminds users of how to rotate, zoom, and perform other simple commands, while a color palette on the site of the screen provides any HEX color you’d like. You’ve also got the option to upload your own previous .Lubas models or a 2D reference image with which to begin tracing a 3D printable model. Once satisfied, you can download your model as an STL, OBJ, X3D, 3DDOM, HTML, or VRML file or have it printed via Shapeways.
Right now, 3DPI readers can beta test LUBAS and, if they provide Treebuild with feedback, the start0up promises that “perks and freebies waiting for them when LUBAS launches.” LUBAS is only the beginning of Treebuild’s larger goal of a complete suite of tools for creating custom 3D printable objects. In addition to a 2D to 3D extrusion app and a custom 3D printed Easter Egg app, Treebuild is developing an app for users to build their own voxel-based modeling apps.
The approach to custom 3D printing apps is similar to that implemented by MixeeLabs, whose team members eventually joined Amazon. Maybe, if Treebuild gets a good thing going, they, too, could wind up in Amazon’s 3DP division.
Update 4/8/15: The name “Cube” in this article was changed to “LUBAS”, after Treebuild learned that 3D Systems had already registered a trademark for the name. Who knew! I’ve also been told that users can publish directly to Sketchfab with their software. And Treebuild provided me with a demo video of their software in action:
