The lack of easy to use, accessible software for 3D modeling is often considered to be one of the biggest hurdles to a larger involvement by the mass public into 3D printing. However the truth is that what is really lacking is a greater awareness of the possibilities, because such tools already exist. Leopoly’s online app, is one of them them and the company behind it, Leonar3Do, is announcing its expansion plans at CES this week.
Leopoly was born as a parametric, social, online design software. It is a complex project that holds great promise in democratizing 3D creativity, to make it more accessible to people of all ages and social backgrounds. To further fuel its growth, Leonar3Do, is making its software architecture available for business’ brand marketing activities and for educators, to teach the possibilities of 3D printing without the need for immediate, substantial investments.
The way Leopoly works is by giving you a set of templates for decorative and everyday use objects (like vases, jewelry, door knobs or other decorative items, even animals) that you can modify by regulating settings, such as wavelength amplitude, frequency, and offset (much like in Autodesk’s Shapeshifter which, however, only offers the vase option). Once you have made a product that is truly your own through Leopoly’s sculpting and engraving tools, you can either order the 3D printed version or upload it to Thingiverse – with a one-button interaction – to 3D print it yourself.
The new Brand Building program offers a personalized 3D customization page to impress customers with a creative online experience. The €200/month subscription rate includes free access to Leopoly’s library of over 100 templates, all the basic design apps, 3D printing service integration (with support by most major service providers) and social media interaction. Leopoly also offers a tailor made solution with custom development, models, and 3D printing options.
The other strategic sector for Leopoly’s growth is schools. Leonar3Do’s new entry-level training course will teach students how to create, customize, and prepare digital objects for 3D printing. The Leopoly Education Package allows students to browse through thousands of 3D models to customize and to design objects individually, or in teams. Educational users can create their own galleries and collections, share and like favourite objects, or follow their favourite artists or friends.
“Leopoly is a really user-friendly 3D creation and design tool,” said Tami Brass, Director of Institutional Technology at St Paul’s Academy and Summit School. “I can see it being used as a part of creative writing, literature discussions, history/social studies projects and science/mathematical modelling. The ability to easily export to file formats for 3D printing is particularly useful given the limited range of 3D printing tools available, especially for K-8 students. My own students found it easy to use and got excellent results.” Greater awareness of 3D printing possibilities begins with initiatives like this.
