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We've been building a tool-changing 3D printer, and an incredible motion system to support it.
TL:DR: We've developed a tool-changing 3D printer, which might just be the coolest thing to hit 3D printing in a very long time. We've built it on what we think is one of the best motion systems ever put on a printer.
Note this blog post is about ToolChanger Version 1; read about how we updated the machine here
Version 2 ToolChanger is available to buy now!
We're going to be doing a speech about it at Midwest RepRap Festival too, which should be being live-streamed and we hope to be taking questions from social media too.
So what we have here is a tool-changer and a motion-system. The two go hand in hand; the motion system is a fundamental part of what makes the tool-changer work, and the tool-changer adds immense value to the motion system.[caption id="attachment_660" align="aligncenter" width="600"] 3 materials in one print[/caption]
Why Tool-changing?
3D printing with multiple materials is undeniably cool and useful. Not only does it allow for attractive multi-coloured prints, but also (and we believe more importantly) for complex geometries with soluble support, and functional material combinations printed in a single part. Think carbon-fiber reinforced nylon, flexible materials, and soluble support all in a single part.
"Normal" multi-material printing, the status quo
Achieving reliable multiple-material printing is complicated. Historic approaches have included:
- Putting two (or more) nozzles on one moving carriage (as seen with the Chimera HotEnd or Ultimaker3 printer). The problem with this approach is that inactive nozzles tend to interfere with the print by oozing and knocking into the print. The nozzles and/or toggling mechanism also add weight to the carriage.
- Outputting more than one material through a single nozzle (as seen with the Cyclops HotEnd or Prusa MultiMaterial system). This approach requires lots of purging (wasting time and filament) to prevent filament cross-contamination, and even given perfect purging some materials remain incompatible. It also limits output to a single nozzle size in a given print.
- Mounting two carriages on the same machine (as seen with IDEX systems). This is the best so far, but is another method that limits the number of nozzles, as well as reducing print volume due to bulk and making one axis quite heavy.
Tool-changing overcomes all of the major downsides listed above:
- Inactive nozzles are stowed away, so there's no ooze and no interference
- Only the weight of a single print-head is being moved at once, so it's quick!
- Each material has its own dedicated nozzle, so there's no cross-contamination and you can use the ideal extruder for each material or use-case
- Our machine is limited to four tool-heads due to volume constraints, but there's no reason why more couldn't be added. This means a potentially unlimited number of materials in one print if you used something like a tool-carousel in a machining centre.
It also makes some aspects of multi-material 3D printing quite easy in many ways, because you can, for example, calibrate all of your offsets in software (including Z!), and many of the usual multi-extrusion system issues just go away.
But there is one major downside: It's the least explored method, and being able to pick up and put down tools both reliably and accurately is a significant engineering challenge that must be overcome for tool-changing to be viable.
We have overcome that challenge, with resounding success.[caption id="attachment_661" align="aligncenter" width="600"] .[/caption]
When we saw what Lulzbot were doing with their toolhead system last MRRF we were jealous. Their ideas were noble, and used novel systems like electro-permanent magnets. However, we wanted to take a different path.
A tool-changing system done properly is a BIG DEAL, opens huge future opportunities, and we've approached it very differently from LulzBot, and from what's come before.
Of course we're under no illusions that this is the first time that tool-changing has been tried. This project has provenance going all the way back to Adrian Bowyer's work at Bath University. There have been many experiments since then too, including Ultimaker and Lulzbot mods, among others. There were some persistent problems though; the resultant machines consistently lacked a reliable, lightweight and precise tool capture mechanism.
Aside from this, most only offered a mere two toolheads. We didn't want only two heads, we wanted four with the potential to go for even more. And we wanted a reliable precision coupling mechanism to get us there.
Use dissimilar heads in one print.
We want to have one print-head perfect for flexible printing, and another for a hardened-steel Volcano. And yet another just for soluble support material, so there's never a danger of filament cross-contamination. One of the things we've learned over the years at E3D is that physics doesn't let us make a "perfect hotend" for all use cases, so we usually have to compromise. Not so with tool-changing. We can use exactly the right hotend for the right application.
No human interaction during printing
Because human labour is not how the future of manufacturing will be going down.
Use more than two print-heads in one print.
We don't want be restricted to using just two heads. We want to have more than two tools, so we can have multi-material prints with dedicated support material.[caption id="attachment_663" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Our entry into the OpenRC championship[/caption]
A system that is extensible and futureproof.
We want to be ready for the future, to open the door for the easy addition of tools that are not just additive. We can't yet be certain what those will be, but we want to contribute to finding out. Hybrid additive/subtractive is a huge potential application, where a subtractive cutter might trim a layer to perfect dimensions and surface finish halfway through a print. Pick and place heads could grab non-printed vitamins like bearings, threaded inserts or embedded electronics. Metrology and inspection could be integrated with measuring probes, lasers, or even vision sensors. Perhaps lasers or inkjet for high-detail part marking - the sky's the limit here.
Tool-changing isn't just another way to print in multi-colour, it's a fundamental shift in capability and lays the foundation for future advances. We're looking for partners to work with on this project, and there is potential for an open standard to be developed and established.
How we did it:
A great deal of trial and error to start with. This is something that we've been thinking about and working on for a while, and we've tried a miscellany of different methods (in different combinations) without much success. In the interests of openness and learning, here are some of the failed systems we physically prototyped:
Failed Systems for Grabbing the heads:
Pneumatic sucker-grabber
Similar to the robot-arm suckers that pick up car panels in factories, this had great pickup force, and was lightweight as the pump was off the carriage. Unfortunately it was too loud to be viable, as well as too expensive to source good-quality pumps. There was also the danger that if the vacuum-sealing mechanism didn't work perfectly then it would lose its grip entirely. Contamination, seal and wear were all things we struggled to fully resolve.
These offer a good deal of force, and had the benefit of being potentially quite low-cost - we had the idea of repurposing door locking mechanisms to suit our needs. However they require a lot of power and generate heat to boot, and were also larger and heavier than we were willing to work with.
Electro-Permanent Magnets
We liked their grabbiness; they're definitely very grabby and grippy, plus they don't require lots of current and don't generate heat. But they are expensive, tricky to source reliably and, again, too bulky and heavy.
Toggle locks and permanent magnets
Alluringly cheap, but had the bad habit of conflicting with precision locationing. They also require a space-consuming sideways movement (resulting in fewer tools per machine).
Failed Systems for locating the heads:
As people who do a lot of machining these were our first thought (like machine tools). They're proven to work and can handle very large forces and loads on the head. However they proved to be too heavy for our purposes, as well as being expensive to make. They also require a large seating force actuated with something like a drawbar, and if too much load is applied then considerable force is required to remove the taper from the holder.
Pins (and a lot of tolerancing)
This was a simple potential solution, but it was just not precise enough (not to mention fiddly!). It would have been possible to machine precision parts to a high degree of accuracy, but too expensive.
Full XYZ probing and software compensation
This is a very new and underdeveloped method which would have been prohibitively time consuming and expensive to fully develop.
But we got there in the end:
Successful System:
Kinematic Coupling
Very very precise. Stupidly precise. Seriously, we're seeing precision better than 5um, this took a great deal of tuning, tweaking, and we had the advantage of E3D's precision manufacturing capability. It's not easy, but when you get it right, it really works. It offers reliable capture and self-align even with imperfect alignment in the order of a few mm. Excluding the precision ground coupling elements, it can even be implemented with low cost off the shelf parts.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] .[/caption]
Lightweight servo actuator powered grabber
Small and lightweight, RC aircraft servos are highly developed optimised low weight actuators for low cost. They're also easy to actuate and control from existing electronics.
Sprung Bayonet cam-lock
Cam-locks into the tool, applying a spring pre-load to the kinematic coupling. The servo rotates the cam-shaft through 3:1 gear reduction for torque, the bayonet fitting rotates, locks and cam-pulls into a slot in the tool head. It acts like a kind of hotend-suspension, providing a positive lock that makes it near-impossible for a tool to be dislodged due to impact. If the head gets knocked, it just snaps right back into place.[caption id="attachment_667" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Locking mechanism[/caption]
We did the prototype in DMLS, 3D printed in steel because it was a complex part geometry, and we gold plated it (for speed but also for bling). The production version can be mill-turned relatively inexpensively.[caption id="attachment_683" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The full design[/caption]
Permanent magnet tool dock
Once the printer is done with the tool it is returned to the dock where magnets retain tools that are not in use.
Motion System
Of course, if you're going to do tool-changing, we believe that you should integrate it with an amazing motion system too.
We needed to eliminate variables, so with the the tool-changer being able to drop and pick tools with sub-5um repeatability it would be a total waste for this to go onto a substandard motion system. Aside from anything else, this is a research platform, so we felt that it was worth spending money to eliminate variables and have a rock solid foundation.
The entire XY motion system is mounted to a single plate of milled aluminium. This plate is exceptionally stiff, especially in the directions where forces act on it.[caption id="attachment_669" align="aligncenter" width="600"] .[/caption]
CoreXY: Fabtotum Style.
The fab-totum derivative of CoreXY is about as perfect as a belt driven XY system gets. It's lightweight with no flying motors, all belt paths are all planar with no rubbing, and it produces only miniscule racking forces over a very short lever arm resulting in a tiny moment. With the Hiwin rails we're using, this miniscule moment is a total non-issue.[caption id="attachment_670" align="aligncenter" width="600"] .[/caption]
We put our motors right in the back - just by the electronics - making wiring a dream. This should also help with Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Most manufacturers that are making machines pay little heed to EMI, but it's a very important part of modern consumer electronics and having a reliable machine that gives stable temperature readings.
In a CoreXY system of any sort you must have a moving cross-bar. The mass of our cross-bar, as the largest moving-mass in the XY system, would effectively define maximum print accelerations and speeds.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] .[/caption]
Our cross-bar is also long, spanning the full 300mm direction of the print bed. This might seem a strange choice for stiffness and moving mass, but this was intentional as we wanted the most space to mount tools on the back side of the machine. Hearkening back to BigBox, we also wanted to preserve the open-fronted machine. As a research platform it just makes things so much nicer to work on.
This long rail however does mean that we have to move more mass, so we went a little fancy and chose to use a machined carbon-fibre plate as the gantry bar. It's incredibly stiff and strong. It's also incredibly light, at a mere 120g. This gives us crazy-awesome acceleration and jerk rates, so we feel the money was well spent.
For the rails we used proper, genuine, Hiwin rails. It perhaps shouldn't have shocked us how much better they are than the clones, but it did. They are SO much better, with exceptionally smooth motion and the level of rigidity from preload is incredible.[caption id="attachment_672" align="aligncenter" width="600"] .[/caption]
The Hiwin rails are bolted directly to the XY motion plate, as are the motors using stand-offs, resulting in a completely rigid XY system that is highly planar. Idler bearings for guiding the belt paths are mounted on rigid cantilever posts. All the belts run and track true without drift.
The rail running along the carbon gantry is also a genuine Hiwin rail, but a slimmer one to keep mass low.
For the belts we're using the very best, genuine Gates GT belts and pulleys, which really reduces "ringing" artefacts in prints and ratchets up the accuracy.[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Genuine belt porn[/caption]
The plate is supported by precision-length extrusions on the corners and at the Z-Axis Backbone. These extrusions are end-tapped and have the top and base plates bolted to it, producing exceedingly stiff connections and enforcing orthogonality of the plate. The flatness of the aluminium tooling plate is very good indeed and makes a great substrate for mounting on motors and rails. The simplicity of the system makes it easy to manufacture and assemble, as well as being more than sufficiently rigid for any application, current or conceived.[caption id="attachment_674" align="aligncenter" width="600"] .[/caption]
Z-Axis: Like a Boss.
We've gone for one big, fat, super-stiff, pre-loaded linear rail; one very high quality integrated leadscrew motor with antibacklash nut; and a cantilever bed of exceptional rigidity. It provides the very best Z-layer stacking we know of and eliminates any risk of 'seizing' the Z-axis as with the BigBox. The integrated leadscrew motor is also mounted directly to the XY plate, enforcing orthogonality and eases assembly.
We used 2x thinner rails initially, but this was a pain to tram and was overconstrained. We also tried playing with ballscrews, however they didn't make much sense in this application, taking up more space, weight, money and adding excessive resistance to motion due to pre-load.
The bent cantilever bed bracket is extremely stiff and does not have any resonance or flap that is often seen on some cantilever beds.[caption id="attachment_673" align="aligncenter" width="600"] This image is of the bed loaded with around 4kg.[/caption]
So now we have a Motion system, we need tools to put on it.
Tools we have so far:
- Normal bowden v6, with Titan mounted on backpanel.
- Great lightweight all rounder.
- Adaptable to suit many materials through a range of nozzles, sensors and blocks.
- Volcano Bowden v6.
- For faster, stronger work.
- Also adaptable with a range of nozzles.
- Flexible specific extruder based on v6+NEMA8 direct double drive
Tools we are developing
- A Titan Aero extruder.
- A better extruder for flexible filaments.
- A subtractive cutting head.
- A laser, perhaps for part marking or edge finishing
- A Raspberry Pi Zero camera head, for in-process inspection [caption id="attachment_677" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A Raspberry pi inspection rig.[/caption]
Obviously different nozzle sizes including volcano can be derived from the above v6 and Volcano HotEnds.
To print flexibles we made the flexibles extruder, which is just a tiny NEMA8 on top of the hotend at present, but we're making an even better one.[caption id="attachment_684" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A flexibles build.[/caption]
The tools have a magnet embedded in them, as does the dock at the back of the machine. This means that when the tool is dropped off by the printer it is held firmly in place.[caption id="attachment_678" align="aligncenter" width="600"] .[/caption]
The tool configuration makes z leveling a dream, as the nozzles do not have to be levelled with each other; each one can have a separate offset. Entirely software defined. And super easy to calibrate with just the Mk1 eyeball and a pair of calipers. Thanks to the inspiration from nirfriedman on thingiverse- ours is derived from that concept, extended to four heads.[caption id="attachment_679" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Calibration print along the Y axis.[/caption]
The test print takes just a minute or two to run, can immediately be assessed by eye to get calibration to within 50um in XY, and measuring with calipers gets you to within 10um on Z. It's fast, it's easy and we really like it.
Electronics and Driving it all
We wanted this thing to be an open platform for whatever electronics the user wanted to put on it. However, when it really came down to it, the only solution with enough extruder outputs and firmware that was truly scriptable and hackable was made by our great friends at Duet3D. The scriptable nature was so essential in allowing us to script tool changes and wipe scripts. There's no reason why Marlin or Repetier couldn't be made to do this too, but really, we found this to be the slickest easiest way. They are also amazing electronics with a 32bit ARM and Trinamic drivers that can do our motion system justice.[caption id="attachment_680" align="aligncenter" width="468"] The rear wall with beautifully built-in electronics.[/caption]
We did however opt for a BL Touch as bed levelling sensor in place of Duet's IR endstop. We just have a bit of a mechanical fetish for getting true probed measurements.[caption id="attachment_681" align="aligncenter" width="600"] BL touch.[/caption]
We're using Simplify3D. It's not ideal, as most of its logic is built around single or dual-extrusion printing. However, with the hackability of the Duet electronics scripting we do have a working solution. It's an unwieldy process using 4 whole processes to print a single model but it still just about works.
Design for manufacture.
The whole structure is:
- 2x aluminium plates.
- 5x cut lengths of aluminium extrusion.
- 4x linear rails.
- 3x motors
- Some belt.
- Some screws and stand-offs.
While milling things out of tool plate isn't cheap, it does make for a superbly accurate system and is worth it. The remaining items can be made at reasonable costs as they require very little complex machining. This allows us to spend money where it really matters, in the carbon cross-member, genuine Gates belts, and genuine Hiwin rails.
Design for assembly
We assembled the motion system of our second iteration of this machine in about seven minutes. Yes, seven minutes. Electronics and wiring will depend on which system you choose, and how fastidious about making the wires beautiful you are, but the motion system is elegant and simple to put together.
ToolChanger is available to buy now!
72 Comments
It looks very interesting and I would happily purchase one↓
Just awesome, thanks a bunch for all the detail, makes up for a few hiccups recently ;) as noted on twitter I've damn near reverse engineered it from the hints already, including the servo. It's Wales you have to worry about, not Shenzhen ;p↓
i am intrested↓
Well, this includes so many design choices I agree with and was about to include in my bigbox rebuild to IDEX. Now the age old question, do I proceed with the rebuild or wait...
I booked my place in the queue in any case, that XY gantry is the way to go!↓
This looks good, but I was one of the first to buy a BigBox and I'm reluctant to invest again in a E3D designed printer.↓
I woud like to see this produced as an entire printer later down the road... its a great concept and im looking forward to seeing further development on this... its definatly not ready for the average or even intermediate user yet... but... I cant wait to see it incorperated in to a full functioning printer.↓
What is the build volume?↓
I like your coupling concept. However I feel a little offended by " ... the resultant machines consistently lacked a reliable, lightweight and precise tool capture mechanism" ;) There's already a three digit number Ultimaker Mark2 tool changers running all over the world. Millions of tool changes without reliability or precision issues.↓
Hopefully idlers are going to be supported both sides.↓
Now how about the thing without the e3d price :|↓
It's the future. Both the machine, the presentation, and the launch with forms and deposits. I love it!
Tool change will put so much fun into our future of open source firmware & slicer programmers. I'm looking very much forward to hack on this machine and descendants already :) I've been dreaming of a machine with a flat top sheet alu frame (http://forums.reprap.org/read.php?14,607341,655161#msg-655161). Getting this and all the other slickness along the lines of performance+ease of build from you... with lots and lots of cycles of hardware implementing, executing, iterating done and documented. That is just wonderful. You made my day, E3D.↓
I like the concept, however I have a few minor suggestions.
The brass cam lock on the tool change mechanism will wear out over time. I suggest using 660 oil impregnated bearing bronze. The cost difference is negligible and will wear slower than the Hiwin rails.
The carbon fiber is pretty and all, but 6061 will prevent torsional stress much more than CF.
I have a box full of Titan extruders all of which were replaced with Bondtech QR models. The accuracy of Bondtech devices are simply unmatched.
The aluminum V blocks should be replaced with O2 tool steel which will maintain a higher level of longevity and accuracy over time.
There is just too much backlash on standard lead screw to maintain Z axis accuracy. I would recommend ball screws even over the ACME screws Lutzbot is experimenting with.
My experience with linear rails has dictated over time that they do require at the very least a rectangular support in order to prevent torsional and lateral compressive stress failures.
That particular X / Y belt system is a proven failure. Keep it simple with the X axis stepper going along for the ride. The Hiwin rails will overcome the added weight.
Keeping all four tools at temperature will lead to burning and clogging issues. I suggest scripting a slow extrusion while the tools are parked into a waste slide which will also act as a wipe when the tool is changed from the parked position.
I suggest fortifying the upper chassis plate with extrusions. This will prevent lateral compressive fatigue.
It seems 3D printer startups always look for ways to lighten the weight of the axis'. There's a reason that a similar sized milling machine weighs 400+lbs......... To absorb acoustic vibration. I would focus my attention more on metallurgical fatigue than weight.
This machine is a great idea and with a few improvements it could possibly be the precedent for a new standard in consumer and commercial printers by year's end.↓
Looks very interesting. I'd like to buy that carbon fiber crossbar ?
I hope you make it true open source and share all files to the community.
I wonder why, o why, did you put the teeth of the belts up against the pulley in the photo? (Other places as well I'd guess). I obviously can't comment on this particular machine, but it's generally acknowledged that teeth up against pulleys does cause artifacts. Solution is to twist the belt, or use different belt path, or use an idler with teeth and/or use the largest possible idler bearing you can find to minimize the artefacts.
I assume the idler with teeth is the best one.. maybe also make it a larger wheel. Unless a different belt path can be devised or a twist incorporated.
Glad to see you use Duet. It's really the only choice for this kind of thing. Just wish various slizers were more up to speed on multiple colors/tools. Had my work cut out with the 5way Diamond and actually vastly preferred Cura over any other for this.
Ohh, please share your tool change scripts and wipes etc!
Keep up the good work.↓
Really excited about this project and what it could mean for the future of desktop 3D printing. I have to echo Morten Nielsen's reply - PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make the design files available! I have the resources/ability to put one together, I just need measurements. I even have a Duet I've been saving for my next machine!
Prove you meant what you said in Tom's interview - OPEN SOURCE ALL THE WAY! :)
Most importantly, thank you for your time and energy spent on this project already. I'm super impressed with the results you guy are achieving and incredibly envious of your team. Keep up the amazing work!↓
Does each extruder use a separate controller, or do you switch the controller electronics to the active extruder when the extruder is picked up by the tool switching mechanism?
A few more details about the slicing would be helpful. Being "stuck" with any one slicer seems unwise. And I would like to know more about "unwieldy" and "just about works".
The prices quoted are ... vague. Any idea when they might be known more accurately?
Any hint at a delivery schedule?
And, yes, I am interested!↓
Got an estimated retail price? A bit hard knowing if I want to buy one not even knowing what price range we're talking. It's an awesome system though.↓
Perhaps the most important thing to note here is that the tool change is something that be integrated to existing Prusa Original and other I3 clones.
Second most important thing is, the obvious requirement for a 32bit controller with easy to extend more extruders to the system.↓
Common wisdom is to use toothed idlers running against the toothed side of the belts with such small diameter idlers, otherwise the teeth induce vibrations due to that the belt tension varies due to that the length of the belt track varies by a (very) small amount. Since you are aiming for perfect, you should probaly take that into consideration as well....↓
Another idea:
Even if that servo is light, the gantry would be even lighter if you could make that servo stationary, i.e. one servo per toolholder that would turn the knob from "the other side" instead. More expensive, but those servos ar rather cheap anyway.↓
You've got most things right. I'd just like to see some real commitment to flexibles. Printing different types of rigid filaments isn't a big deal, we can already do it.
It's the combination of rigid, flexibles and support filaments that's the pain.
Show us an embedded flexible hinge!↓
Great new design! I'm building a Core XY right now and I have been trying to decide on a multi-color/multi-material solution. I have been planning on building an aluminum extrusion frame for economy. I'm a little scared to see what the price of this system would be with those huge machined plates. Could you please consider making a bolt-on version for the extrusion frame? I know accuracy is important in this type of system but I think you would get more people buying were you to adapt it to the typical extrusion frame.↓
Also, I'm offering my services to be a beta tester. ;-)↓
Great you guys are pushing the technology. What's proposed for software and can scripts be written Simplify3D, CURA Slic3r etc to handle tool changes with the additional servo motor outputs.↓
Filled in the survey. I felt some questions needed a multiple choice, so put them in 'OTHER' option. Hope that doesn't screw up your stats?
I had to pay postage when making the deposit, as TOOLCHANGER-SHIPPING coupon was not accepted.
I have a few other queries, so how is the best way to ask you?↓
The best way to contact us is by email: email@example.com↓
Yes! Yes! Yes!↓
Very interested to see if this can be made to support a Delta/Kossel printer. If so, I'm in!↓
Hi. I like the idea very much. This is an interesting concept but it is possible to also make a direct extruder version of this. For example light and geared extruder (e.g. Titan areo) and and only swapping the hot ends? This would bring the benefit of handling also flexible filaments very well. Just my two cents.↓
H guys.
A quick thought, have you looked at the Zesty Nimble. I think it would be a perfect fit with this system. It is compact, can handle a wide variety of materials and is not extremely expensive. I fully understand that you would want to keep this in house. But having used one for several months on a Delta, I can recommend it without reservation.Other than a very satisfied user I have no relationship with the company.↓
The Tool-Changer and motion system will be manufactured without extruders, HotEnds, or other tools. This means that it would be perfectly possible for customers you use a Nimble or other extruder in their build!↓
Absolutely fascinating, especially the concept of introducing additive or subtractive processes alongside 3D printing, I am sure this will be a great success for you, extremely well through out congratulations on what is sure to be a winner↓
Fascinating, I love the concept of additive and subtractive processes that could be used alongside 3D printing. I am convinced you have something here that will prove a winner for you, well done and keep us informed↓
What would you say to a build-along? For instance, a real world Beta testing running in parallel and perhaps slightly behind the development cycle.
The reason I propose this is based on my experience with New Product Design; you need to get real world testing results to fine tune the product in real time during the developmental cycle.
That said, I really think this is an awesome concept that I would really love to have at my prototyping desk. :)
I like that approach only the mechanical way it is done is to be checked if it works in future i like the smart way the do tool change
i would like to buy 4 of the tool change only sets to integrate it soon thx thomas↓
Grate minds think alike! I am working on a very similar multi head machine that use an electro-permanent magnet.↓
Extremely impressive. I hope you stick to 3D printing and possibly heads for finishing prints rather than adding a cutting tool. The use case and mechanical complexity/rigidity/dust are a rabbit hole few of us need. Combining in a mill always disappoints- better to focus and do a few things really well.↓
I might be interested in this.
There are a few things I'd like to see though:
1: pulleys: You use two flanged ball bearings against the teeth of the belt. I would have liked to see a pulley with teeth here to avoid deforming the belts and ultimately wearing down the teeth and changing the effective diameter of the pulley.
2: Z axis. Not an issue pr. se but a different tack: Using three steppers with their own leadscrew to drive the bed would enable you to get rid of the large bed support bracket and recover a lot of z-height as well as eliminating manual bed leveling↓
Amazing project! Really well done. Thanks for sharing and pushing the envelope :)
I especially think substractive surface finishing, fiber reinforced printing and pick and place could vastly increase the real world impact of 3D printers.
I really want to support your project. But 1000-2000 pounds is a lot for me.
I'm sure there is a "repstrap" way to build this thing cheaper using something like an OSB top plate and cheaper linear guides. If we could only purchase the parts relevant for the tool change this would probably find more adoption.↓
Looks very clever and an awesome fast machine. Some questions.
1. Do you change heads on every layer? Say if you have 4 different material being used and a 100 layer print you are talking 400 tool changes? This seems like a lot of tool changes.
2. Do you ever see 3d printing evolving beyond a layer by layer process? This would involve a lot more complex cam coding but open up all sort of doors and reduce the number of tool changes considerably. Say for example, if you had a bowl that needed support under the cavity. The support could all be generated in one tool path and the shell could be laid over the top in a true 3d tool path. You would obviously need to account for tool head crashing but this would have a major advantage of having smooth curves in the finished product instead of stepped layers.
3. If you reduce the number of tool changes you don't need a hyper-warp machine and could go to something stiffer that would allow a more robust subtractive process to be added.↓
That top plate can easily be waterjet cut instead of milled. Makes it cheaper to source, just requires some extra tapping and reaming.
Looks amazing! Love the design!↓
We did prototype and test with waterjet-cut plates but in the end milling worked out at about the same price.↓
We're having trouble understanding what exactly the queue is for? If this is not a complete 3D Printer then what exactly are you guys thinking of selling? If you are thinking that this can be decoupled from the rest of the 3D Printer and sold as an off-the-shelf component, then we hope you reconsider this. There is too much functionality that is coupled to the rest of the entire system to decouple it. We feel you should either produce the entire 3D Printer or don't do it at all!
We also feel that if you DO produce the entire 3D Printer that it will be an inflection point for open source 3D Printing. For sure I'd buy one or two!!!↓
Is it too late to suggest something a bit better to do your z probing than bl touch?
It could be integrated into the carriage so would be independant of the tool currently mounted, and being nozzle based you could calibrate z for each tool very quickly and conveniently.↓
How about a metallic touch to autocal the z height of each extruder - like the button switch on Lulzbot?↓
I agree with the suggestion that you offer a fully kitted printer with the hot ends/other end effectors as optional selections. I think you will end up with many more satisfied customers if you provide a fully working solution.↓
Very interested but I am wondering why print quality in the picture is so low?? Is because the print are done on a cheap testing frame or because the exchangeable lock system is not strong enough to avoid vibration and resonances?↓
I am interested in this idea, despite having bought a Bigbox and being left along the road by E3D.
Satisfied however with my BB, and I recognize E3D's creativeness R&D in this post.
This kinematic is probably better than any other, DICE is another good example of COREXY that works well, your design looks like a giant DICE, btw :).
My experience with COREXY comes from the Fabtotum I bought 5 years ago, which is a COREXY design, and also have a manual tool changing capability.
I bought the Fabtotum because I though I would be able to print, machine small parts, scan, and probably develop myself some other heads for engraving, measuring....you name it.
It never worked, part due to lack of software support for these alternative usages, part due to FT design itself with tiny and fragile components and a ridiculous hot end that clogged constantly until I replaced it by my 1st E3D one.
The good part of it (there is always a good part) is the CoreXY architecture that is really simpler and lightweight.
I am currently upgrading my FT, removing all guts to replace with a DUET, TITAN and V6 to experience with alternative print head ideas.
I think the tool changing is an awesome idea, I am interested in a kit, looking forward to lightweight direct drive heads, but I don't think it's rigid enough to machine more than a PCB using a specific BLDC / ER11 combination, nor to machine even aluminium, just rectify 3D printed parts maybe.↓
Beautiful and elegant. I've signed up even if I dont end up getting the kit I hope you can use the funds to help develop it.↓
Also i'm happy to be a tester and will also happily pay for the testing unit too. This is something I have day dreamed about for a long time but I just dont have the tools or expertise to realise it.
I've started work on my own multi tool solution called the Rotato but it has a few issues, mainly with weight.
Your solution is more complicated but so much better and reliable.
I placed my deposit and i'm really happy you guys and gals are innovating and really pushing whats possible. e3d will always be my go to brand for 3d printing.↓
I also Agree with the above sentiments, in fact this has stopped me from placing an advanced order (que) there is simply too much in the balance when facing the Firmware and software hurdle, to go it alone and buying a motion system / head changer, that could be in the Thousands. I will sit on the side lines and continue watching the project. Good Luck↓
What does this kit includes: https://e3d-online.com/tool-changer-join-the-queue?
Tentatively when are you planing to release this?↓
Instead of the T fastener have you considered DZUS fasteners that come in a range of heads not just the slotted CS screw head. I would like a tool head that tacks strengthening fibre onto groves that then get filled in by another head. Keep having fun.↓
In my opinion it would be better to put the compliance not in the toolhead but the toolplate. That way the attachment pressure can be adjusted depending on the tool. A subtractive tool might need a more rigid mount then a pick and place tool for example. This would be easier to implement if the toolplate had the male part not the toolhead. To safe costs on expensive springs the compliance could be implemented with a flexure in the toolplate.↓
A few simple questions:
1) When will the BOM be available for at least the motion platform?
2) When will the f360 designs be made available?
3) What gt2 belts and hiwin rails are you guys using?
Saw the bot at mrrf, truly an amazing piece of work - well done ;)↓
I got the duet wifi and duex5 so i will buy one =)↓
slicing is the "traveling salesman" problem. https://quantumexperience.ng.bluemix.net/qx/experience is the answer.↓


text:
BOULDER — Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle won't be getting the $301,000 he'd sought from next year's county budget to equip as many as 30 marked patrol vehicles with a camera system.
Boulder County commissioners informally decided this week that the system — and the automatic audio and video recordings it would capture while deputies are on patrol — won't make the cut in the budget they're still crafting for 2013.
Pelle had told the commissioners during a budget hearing last month that the recordings, including conversations captured by microphone-wearing deputies, could provide evidence in criminal investigations, as well as protect those deputies from false accusations and lawsuits from some of the suspects they encounter.
But when Commissioners Will Toor, Cindy Domenico and Deb Gardner announced a number of their tentative 2013 budget decisions during a work session on Thursday, they didn't include funding for the sheriff's proposal to put cameras in the cruisers .
Commissioners didn't rule out revisiting the idea in preparing some other year's budget, though. Chairwoman Domenico said the camera system "could potentially be a valuable program in the future."
Pelle said Friday that "I think it's still a good idea," and his office has applied for a $250,000 State Farm Insurance grant toward the camera system's costs.
But Pelle said he also understands that "there was only so much money" expected to be available next year for funding the multiple requests commissioners got in department-by-department hearings of proposals for additional spending on services, programs and projects.
The commissioners have, however, decided to include $161,378 in the 2013 budget to pay for replacing the Boulder County Jail's 12-year-old master electronic control system, including the existing control turret, closed-circuit TV equipment and control room consoles. Pelle and his staff have said the current system, which operates doors throughout the jail as well as providing audio and visual communications to and from secure areas, is obsolete.
The master control system allows a handful of officers to monitor and control the movements of the more than 500 inmates housed in the jail, Pelle said Friday, but "it's been breaking, and we can't get parts for it any more."
The commissioners' long list of other tentative work session budget decisions, which will now be built into a more formal overall proposed budget package they'll review on Nov. 20, included such items as:
Approval of Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall's request for $183,443 to remodel the election wing at her office at 1750 33rd St., Boulder.
Denial of Boulder County Assessor Jerry Roberts' request for $72,838 to pay a contractor to digitally scan and record many of his office's old paper property records, a project Roberts and his staff said would make those records more available to the public and would free up the area where they're now stored for more office space.
Approval of Boulder County Coroner Emma Hall's request for $4,918 for fees charged for various professional expenses, including subscriptions to forensic science publications, membership dues to such organizations as the Colorado Coroners Association, and lodging and travel expenses for staff investigators attending out-of-state certification training courses.
Approval of the Parks and Open Space Department's $58,599 request to pay for "rodent mitigation" — the removal, cleaning, replacement and sealing off of squirrel-infested duct work in an HVAC system at the Boulder County Fairgrounds' machine shop.
Denial of the Administrative Services Department's $236,798 request for remodeling and making other improvements to the human resources and internet technology offices in the east wing of the Boulder County Courthouse.
John Fryar can be reached at 303-684-5211 or email@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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text:
Nicholas Schorsch has run out of public independent broker-dealers to buy.
"The only ones left … are LPL" and Raymond James, he said in an interview with ThinkAdvisor.
Schorsch and the empire he leads, which includes American Realty Capital (ARCP) and RCS Capital (RCAP), just moved to gobble up Summit Financial Services Group (SMMF) for $49 million on Monday.
That announcement came on the heels of news last month that RCS Capital was buying Investors Capital (ICH) and Hatteras Funds.
Grabbing a public entity is "expedient," Schorsch says, because of the "measurable" financial results that are readily available about these companies.
Still, he adds, private firms are worthwhile investments, too, like First Allied Securities, an independent broker-dealer that RCAP acquired earlier this year.
"We are open to nonpublic companies for deals," Schorsch said, though he wouldn't comment on industry speculation that RCAP could be eying privately held IBDs, such as NEXT Financial and Kovack Securities.
As broker-dealers like Summit Financial, Investors Cap and First Allied are brought together, "Synergies are able to be recognized," he said.
"We are not going to change or migrate head offices, so [advisor] clients won't lose their touchpoints," Schorsch insisted. "This is not about consolidating and getting rid of personnel. It's really about growth."
RCAP's overall growth offers broker-dealers support. "We have financial resources and capital to invest in better systems, more diverse products, better clearing and bigger clearing relationships, and we can make markets in multiple securities or trade bonds en masse for advisors and investors."
As he sees it, "Our job is about size and scale. This is a company with about $50 billion of assets under management. We've raised $10 billion of equity on the wholesale side, for instance, and $13 billion on the investment-banking side. We're like Evercore [Group] or Greeenhill …" which are independent investment banking and advisory firms, Schorsch said. "We have Hatteras Funds …and are diversifying very rapidly."
As the operations come together and growth, executives like Larry Roth — formerly head of the AIG-owned Advisor Group and now in charge of Realty Cap Securities — will have their hands full.
"Part of our story is attracting great people, like Larry Roth and Marshall Leeds [CEO of Summit Financial]. It's a hell of a team, considering it can be hard to get people to work for a company that not everyone believes in. It's very encouraging," Schorsch said.
Still, he bemoans the fact that he has to tell (and sell) a "complicated story," since RCAP and its sister companies operate in five sectors: the wholesale broker-dealer, retail (encompassing the IBDs), investment banking and capital markets, transactions management and the transfer-agency businesses.
"This can be confusing," Schorsch said. "Our job is to articulate the story and prove out the model, while we drive growth for investors."
With more acquisitions planned for next year, after this year's meal is fully digested, RCAP seems to have a full plate in store for 2014.
Check out Schorsch to Buy Summit Financial for $49 Million on ThinkAdvisor.


text:
Hendersonville High School's volleyball team is running out of firsts, even ones accomplished at its autumnal vacation home in Reynolds Coliseum.
RALEIGH — Hendersonville High School's volleyball team is running out of firsts, even ones accomplished at its autumnal vacation home in Reynolds Coliseum.
Saturday's 3-1 (25-20, 26-24, 22-25, 25-21) win over Wheatmore was not the Bearcats' first NCHSAA championship. It didn't even mark the first time the school had gone back-to-back, but, for the first time in school history, Hendersonville has a title in the 2-A classification. The previous 10 were all in 1-A.
"It was a big win because we kind of heard the talk last year that we only won because we were 1-A," said senior Caylie Shew.
"We play a really hard non-conference schedule against really good teams from around our area," said first-year Hendersonville head coach Erica Cantrell. "I think that helps us out a lot no matter what classification we are in."
Hendersonville's come-from-behind win in Game 2 left Wheatmore looking stunned, and facing a two-game deficit. The Warriors had a 24-21 lead in the second, one point away from tying the match, before Jamie Lee Zullo had two kills and a block to spark a 5-0 closing run.
"We've learned how take point for point, rather than, 'Oh, we're down 10 points,'" Shew said. "I think that helped us because when you look at one point instead of 10, it's a lot less (difficult). Then by the time you know it we're back on top."
Wheatmore, a school in its fifth year of existence, didn't just roll over following the disappointment. The Warriors fought back to win Game 3, and had Game 4 tied at 18 before Hendersonville pulled away for the title, punctuated by a closing kill from Shew.
Shew and Zullo were two of five Bearcats to earn at least eight kills, with Shew's 12 leading the way. Cassie Born, Amber Wheeler, and Micalyla Bedoian also had eight kills apiece with Born taking home the championship MVP award.
"There's not one person on the team that will win the game for us," Born said after looking surprised to hear her name attached to MVP. "You have to have the great pass, you have to a great set and it comes to the hitter and hitting the ball where it needs to be. I think our entire team should have MVP."
Indeed, no one player stood out for the Lady Bearcats, who were strong throughout the lineup, allowing setters Blaire Hawkins and Victoria Schandevel to go anywhere and everywhere for offense.
"They had a lot of size and ran a faster offense too," said Wheatmore senior Kelly Davis. "They had really good passing. We normally use our served to throw other teams out of their offense."
Hendersonville served up nine aces — three apiece from Zullo and Sydney Gilliam—against just three service errors, exhibiting the type of steady play title-match experience creates. The team and their first-year coach seemed more flummoxed by the post-match press conference than anything they saw on the court.
"We knew what to expect and how things were going to work," Shew said. "The other team's colors were red and white, but it's also fun coming to a gym that has your school colors because it makes it feel more like home."
With the win, Cantrell earned the rare honor of having been a 2-A champion player and MVP (2008 with West Henderson), and a 2-A champion coach.
"I don't even think I considered coaching at that point," she said of her playing days. "Last year (as Hendersonville's assistant coach) opened my eyes. I really like this."
With Cantrell finishing her first year, Hendersonville has won back-to-back state volleyball titles in two different classifications under two different first-year head coaches, marking yet another first for one of North Carolina's most storied programs.
Prior to the match, Clare Little was awarded with the team's Sportsmanship Award.


text:
After undressing Skip Bayless, Mark Cuban moved on to Stephen A. Smith on First Take this morning.
They actually had a decent conversation about the role of access in NBA analysis.
Stephen A. holds his own better than Bayless, but Cuban still dominates the debate and drops the hammer by saying his 2-year-old could break down NBA tape just as good as people on ESPN.


text:
Having a colonoscopy might be pretty low on Latino adults' to-do lists. Even hearing the term "colonoscopy" might make some people a bit squeamish.
But it can also save your life.
Just take it from Armida Flores, a promotora—a trained community health worker—at the Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Flores spends her days helping Latinos confront cancers and illness.
She knows first-hand that Latinos don't get colon cancer screening enough. In fact, a new study found that only 28 percent of U.S. Latinos have had colon cancer screening, compared to 36 percent of African-Americans and 44 percent of whites.
Because of these things, she began to worry about her own health and decided to schedule a colonoscopy, which can help identify colon cancer.
"I was a little bit nervous about it but, to my surprise, the procedure was not too bad," Flores said. "I was asleep, so I did not feel any pain or discomfort."
After explaining the procedure using simple medical terms, the doctor even offered to pray with her, an extra comfort that Flores welcomed.
"The procedure was fast and the staff was caring."
The night before the procedure, Flores had trouble sleeping because of the liquid laxative solution she had to drink. However, she was surprised to discover that the liquid laxative, usually known for its horrible taste, actually wasn't bad. "The taste was okay, it was kind of salty and sweet," she recalled.
The doctor found two small polyps in Flores' colon that he was able to remove easily.
Flores eliminated potential dangers to her health just by deciding to take action.
She urges Latinos not to put themselves at risk just because of fear.
"I think people are scared because of the word or because they heard something negative about it," Flores said. "But a colonoscopy could save their life."
Learn more about colonoscopies in Spanish or English.
Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, directs the Institute for Health Promotion Research at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, which researches Latino health issues and founded the SaludToday Latino health blog, Twitter and Facebook. Dr. Ramirez, an internationally recognized cancer health disparities researcher, has spent 30 years directing research on human and organizational communication to reduce chronic disease and cancer health disparities affecting Latinos, including cancer risk factors, clinical trial recruitment, tobacco prevention, obesity prevention, healthy lifestyles, and more. She also trains/mentors Latinos in behavioral sciences and is on the board of directors for LIVESTRONG, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and others. She was elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies in 2007.


text:
In hot, sticky weather, it's more than nice to have a refreshing wipe on hand. Say you've walked seven blocks to an interview or a tryst, and you want to clean the soot and stuff from your face, and freshen up, you know, elsewhere. Or you've had to hold a slimy subway pole, or the train, bus, plane or service station bathroom lacks running water and soap. Yet you've heard, correctly, that some portable wipes are more like portasans, due to the chemicals saturating them. What can you do to get truly clean in transit?
* For fighting germs, take a pass on products that contain triclosan, a pesticide used in antibacterial handsoaps and implicated in the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Plus, a study announced last August found that triclosan is no more effective against germs than washing with plain soap and water. And this month the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a study about the hormonal and developmental risks of triclosan, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in many products, from toothpaste to hand soaps.
Ethyl alcohol-based wipes and cleansing gels, both of which are made by Purell and various store brands, are safer antimicrobials and just as effective against germs.
*For general cleansing and refreshing, choose products free of synthetic fragrance, which usually indicateds the presence of hormone-disrupting phthalates. Instead, choose products based on organic essential oils, such as: Desert Essence wipes with tea tree oil, a natural disinfectant, are a bit strong for facial skin, but great cleansers for hands. Plus, DE uses organic essential plant oils, a plus for the environment, too. No petrochemicals or phthalates in their wipes containing lavender, orange, or wildcrafted rosewood or lemongrass oils. Herban Essentials' towelettes have oils of lemon, eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint.
* DIY your own toilette kits. Instead of disposable wipes, make your own reusable towelettes. You can use an organic cotton handkerchief moistened with a diluted organic plant oil soap such as Dr. Bronner's new certified organic ones, or Burt's Bees rosewater toner. You could also use organic cotton cosmetic puffs or squares from Organic Essentials, or recycled paper towels by 7th Generation. Keep towelettes moist in a non-leaching, #5 reusable Glad sandwich or freezer bag. Note: As a precaution, you may want to not use products with lavender or tea tree oil on babies, because they've been connected in preliminary research with enhanced breast growth in boys, which, however, reverts to normal once the exposure stops. It's worth remembering that even some pure plant oils can have unwelcome side effects, or, in the case of citrus, irritating or allergenic to sensitive skin.


text:
17 October 2018 Update
I think it is a circa 1914 Reo The Fifth Tourer.
Wild guess…
Please comment…
More update
Well we must be very careful, if you look at the two cars you have on this post they are not the same Pierre, the back windows in the touring top are different, one is square and the other is oval. William Durant was the founder on the GM Motor company along with Mr Chevrolet, some time around 1915-16 Mr Chevrolet bought all Mr Durant's shares in the company and he was gone from the GM Motors, Mr Durant then started for a short time to build his own cars looking very much like the ones being made by GM Motors. I would say it is possible that the car in the black and white photo could be a 1918 to 1923 Durant because the emblem on the radiator does not resemble the familer GM Motor's bow tie emblem but more like the well known round Durant Star emblem. It's only my guess.
Hi Ron,
I got this answer from an expert…
Bonjour Pierre
Ton guess sur l'Oldsmobile 1914 semble excellent, car ce n'est pas évident à partir de la photo. Le radiateur correspond, de même que la forme des ailes, les ressorts à l'avant, le pare-brise, les portières et le rangement sous les portières, les roues.
Il y avait deux séries cette année-là: la Baby Olds, Model 42, et la Sixth, Model 54. La Baby était une tentative pour Oldsmobile de revenir avec une voiture plus légère animée par un moteur à quatre cylindres. Le Model 54, à six cylindres, était une version légèrement retouchée du Model 53 de l'année précédente.
Il est amusant de constater que pour un supplément de 50$ il était possible d'obtenir une couleur autre que vert, bleu ou gris.
Hi Pierre
I just opened my e-mails. Your guess on the 1914 Oldsmobile seems excellent, because it's not easy with that picture. The radiator matches, the same for the fenders, the coil springs in front, the windshield, the doors and the storage place under the doors, the wheels.
There were two series that year: the Baby Olds, Model 42, and the Sixth, Model 54. The Baby was an attempt for Oldsmobile to go back to a lighter car using a four cylinder engine. The Model 54, a six cylinders, was a slighty modified version of the Model 53 of the year before.
It's funny to notice that for $50 more it was possible to get a different paint colour from green, blue or gray.
Have a nice week.
I am still not sure with these two cars. The bottom shape of the windshields on each car are different, one has a chrome grill, the other has not, rear windows not the same. One thing for certain I would agree, both cars were made by Mr Durant & Mr Chevrolet.
Good point made with the back window.
But it looks pretty much the same doesn't it?
I think we will have a referendum on this…
Well, I will think about it.
I think it is a cca 1914 Reo The Fifth Tourer.


text:
Wildly Over-ambitious Book Title of the Week
According to Ben Forta, the author, it is one of the best selling SQL books of all time. Not surprisng: who could resist a title like that?
I like his emphasis on getting stuff done. Even so, I think ten minutes is just about long enough to decide whether to pronounce it "sequel" or "ess queue ell".


text:
imagineinternet avait besoin d'un nouveau design de page web et a lancé un concours sur 99designs.
Un gagnant a été sélectionné de 39 designs proposés par 23 designers freelance.
This should be a nice easy contest for most of you. Be creative!
Desired Color Scheme:
Gold and silver will be favored since this is a precious metal mining company. Think earthy.
Desired Style:
Simple, clean, professional layout. Menu needs to be horizontal to acommodate a drop-down style.
Accepted File Formats:
Original PSD, must include fonts.
This is a precious metals mining company that does business worldwide, primarily in South America. The client has requested we use http://www.lunagold.com as an example of the type of site they want, specifically the structure and design style.
Here is the menu structure:
-Corporate Info
---Management & Directors
---Corporate Directory
-News Releases
---Project 1
---Project 2
---Project 3
-Investor Info
-Contact Us
Required Elements:
1. Contact information should be on the front page
Atlas Precious Metals Inc.
8040 South Kolb Road
Tucson, Arizona, 85706
Phone: 520-889-2040
Fax: 520-889-2733
2. Current logo must be used, but can be jazzed up a bit. I recommend putting a "web 2.0" style on the logo.
Logo Download: http://dev.imagineinternet.net/apm/APM-Logo.pdf
You can use any stock images you'd like from IStockPhoto.com, please just use comps for your layouts and we will purchase the images.
We will pay an extra $50 if you code this for us (html/xhtml and css)
Front page text:
Atlas Precious Metals Inc. is committed to become one of the largest silver producers in the world by developing mines and production facilities in Latin American countries for the mutual benefit of the local people and the company. The creation of jobs and stimulation of the local economy improves the lives of many people, allowing the company to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities while providing a superior return to shareholders.
*We reserve the right to end the contest early
*PLEASE do not PM us with offers outside the contest
*Winner must submit a signed copyright release


text:
Regular readers will know that the Squire likes to entertain young artists who he regards as promising. They are invited to the Great House for a long weekend of conversation, cricket and creativity.
Most leave behind a work or two by way of thanks. As the centuries pass it does become difficult to remember these visits and the works left behind.
Only in July, Third Man found that an old sight board , that had been used back in the 'Fifties and which was stored in the old stables, was in fact an early work by Robert Ryman.
At one time the Squire employed, on work experience, a young student of Art History, down from St Andrews University for the summer, to begin the considerable task of identifying and cataloguing some of these waifs and strays, but she was soon whisked away by a special guest determined to exercise His droit du seigneur.
Since when the job has fallen onto the aging shoulders of the Squire's willing factotum, Third Man.
Which is why TM begs your help in identifying the creator of the work published above – entitled 'Pink' – which clearly was part of a series as there is another entitled 'Red'.
There is a Warholian feel to them and indeed the Guest Book lists a Mr A. Warhola in June 1950 with the signature below.
The second quest is surely more of a puzzle.
The only clue is a description or title painted on the reverse of the canvas in what appears to be boot whitener: Can You Help Find the Ball Mummy.
Looks vaguely familiar.
Any ideas?


text:
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text:
The corgi Sutter Brown of Sacramento and Oakland, Calif. -- and his human owner Gov. Jerry Brown -- are riding high these days. Sutter pushed Prop 30 to victory, with help from the governor. And the media is eating up the image they've been selling of themselves as regular, frugal guy (Jerry) and his fun-loving dog (Sutter).
But Sutter and Jerry can't hold a candle compared to another pairing of older politician and his dog: that of Uruguayan president Jose Mujica and his three-legged friend, Manuela.
I've been learning all about the Mujicas this week, since I'm in Montevideo, Uruguay, putting on a global conference on initiative and referendum (and yes, we've been hearing from Uruguayans and others that they have designed their initiative and referendum process to avoid becoming "another California").
I met with Mujica's staff and have chatted up Uruguayans, who are proud of the frugality of their president, even if they're not political supporters of him.
The lesson for Californians: The Browns live like royals compared to the Mujicas. The president, a former political prisoner and guerilla known here as "El Pepe," is the real frugal thing.
U.S. & World
The president doesn't live in the official mansion, just as Jerry Brown shunned the former governor's mansion in his first run as governor. But Mujica's digs -- his tiny poorly kept home on a rundown farm outside Montevideo -- is a couple steps down from Brown's Sacramento loft and Oakland home.
Mujica sounds like Brown: "I'm called 'the poorest president,' but I don't feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more," he told the BBC. "This is a matter of freedom. If you don't have many possessions then you don't need to work all your life like a slave to sustain them, and therefore you have more time for yourself."
But the differences speak volumes.
Indeed, Mujica has set a standard for frugality that expose Brown's poses as hollow. The Uruguayan president gives away 90 percent of his tiny salary. He drives himself in an '87 Beetle. And of course, Mujica wouldn't think of taking a tax measure to the ballot, for example, since Uruguayans don't permit referenda on taxes (or international treaties).
There are political differences, too. Mujica, at 77, is three years older. And he's already made clear that he's retiring from politics at the end of his term.


text:
Eight months after opening with hopes of becoming a central gathering point on campus and an asset in creating a strong international flavor, Global Village is paying off for Rochester Institute of Technology.
The $54 million project, with housing, retail space and restaurants on the southwest part of campus, has earned accolades for its international foods store and will have a central role for a leadership conference for women later this month.
Completed before the start of the 2010-11 school year, Global Village replaced the oldest housing on RIT's campus with 70 apartments housing six students each. It was built with an international feel, with each floor and retail location taking a different global theme expressed through lighting, architecture and colors.
Overall the project has met the objectives RIT had for it, said James Watters, vice president for finance. But as importantly, Global Village has become the kind of student meeting place that administrators envisioned when planning it.
"Students sat out in the evenings in the courtyards well into late November, enjoying the ambiance of evening dinners and people watching," Watters said. "The gift shop continues to draw more alumni artists wanting to offer their works for sale, and the residential facilities were full."
The project got a boost in October when RIT received $1 million from Constellation Brands Inc. to create an office consolidating global education efforts there. The office brings together projects offering support for students looking to study abroad, faculty exchange opportunities and multicultural programs.
"This enabled us to build out resources much faster than planned," Watters said, adding that though there are no further plans to expand Global Village, it is one site under consideration for a new hockey activity center.
Global Village has been used as one of the few outdoor meeting places on campus. When the university's women's hockey team reached the national championship, a rally was held there, and a gathering for missing student George Delaney also took place at Global Village.
"It's been a great gathering place, the kind of common square you see in great cities," said Mary Beth Cooper, RIT vice president for student affairs.
Later this month the residences at Global Village will play host to attendees at a conference for professional women called "Finding Your Mojo: A Leadership Event for Women." The event, which features keynote speaker Marshall Goldsmith, an executive coach and best-selling author, and Deborah Hughes, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony House, will use Global Village as a backdrop.
The conference is expected to be groundbreaking for the area, delving into the growth of women in executive positions while also drawing attention to RIT's asset in Global Village, Cooper said.
"This is something Rochester needs, and nothing of this scope has been done before here," she said. "I think this will be very good for RIT too, using the campus in a time that's normally very quiet around here."
Global Village has received more formal accolades as well. The anchor store there, an international foods and fair-trade goods store called the Market, recently won a 2011 Best in Business New Store Design Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services.
Winning the award for the most innovative and creatively designed food concept-especially amid tough nationwide competition-is a strong sign for the Market, Watters said.
"This is a great achievement when you consider the number of colleges and universities and new products coming on line each year," Watters said.
The success of the Market and other retail ventures in Global Village is clearer in the amount of business they bring in, Watters noted. The salon there saw tremendous growth in clients, and a Mexican restaurant, Salsarita's Fresh Mex Cantina, is keeping more customers on campus, he added.
Business at the Market has been stronger than expected, with the store running above its predicted budget since opening. Some international products have been become popular, especially Goya soda and Japanese candy, said Melissa Kara, the store's assistant manager.
"Business has been excellent," Kara said. "People are excited to come in and see products they can't find on campus or other places. For international students it's good for them to have a kind of home away from home."
6/3/11 (c) 2011 Rochester Business Journal. To obtain permission to reprint this article, call 585-546-8303 or e-mail email@example.com.


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Egyptian Rose Mica Pigment - 10 grams.
Oxides and mica pigments are suitable for general cosmetic use (with the exception of chromium green and ultramarines which cannot be used on lips) and soap making.
Suitable for melt/pour soap or cold processed soap. A glycerine substrate can be used to disperse oxides/mica into melt and pour soap base. An oil or glycerine substrate can be used to colour cold processed soap. A reserved portion of the cold processed soap batch can also be used to mix oxides and/or mica into.
Oxides and mica pigments will not colour candle or cosmetic waxes effectively.
Product 8/24
This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday 18 February, 2014.


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We have gotten together and have eight spots in the last session ever of Flying Lessons. Pop on over to:
Leave a comment after the post to be entered to win. But WAIT! There's more!! If you check out Kelly Rae Roberts blog she matched our donation and there are another eight classes being donated by Kelly! (Yay for Kelly!)
That means for your comment on our Fly Tribe blog you have a chance at 16 possible spots! Wow! So get on over there and comment!!!
Secondly...we have a blog hop to share all about how each of us tries to give something back for the huge gifts we've been given.
My turn.
|The view into kiln unknown.
The latest project started as a crazy idea to represent all the kids in the school by immortalizing their fingerprints in clay. I asked (held hostage) several other Mothers and made them roll two ounce balls of clay until they were crazy people. I needed all 1000 kids to press their fingers into the clay, hence 1000 balls were needed. They were distributed to each classroom then brought back to me to play with. You can see the black dots in the kiln pic above. Honestly, once I got them all back, I had no clue what I was going to do with them. Shhh...nobody knows that but me!
|The beginnings of my project taking flight...
So it took six months, a couple hundred pounds of clay, and a bunch of volunteers and we made it happen.
|...partial flight...
|...flowers are up!
|A little more.
|Needs grout!
|Complete and in flight.
And thanks for coming by!
Giving Flight, Giving Back Blog Hop
Janet Forrest http://www.tatterednworn.wordpress.com
Cat Athena Louise http://www.catathenalouise.com
Stacey Bockness Curry http://starhitchedwagon.blogspot.com/
Kris Lanae Binsfeld http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/giving-flight-giving-back/
Mary Sterk http://www.justmarydesigns.com
Michelle Reynolds http://www.shellsinthebush.com
Constance Rawlins http://livingwithinyourharvest.com/2012/08/19/fly-tribe-anniversary/
Cindy Jones Lantier http://www.lantier.org/2012/08/the-gift-of-giving/
Kathleen Conard http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/2012/08/giving-back.html
Claudia Dow http://www.claudiadow.blogspot.com
Susan M. Walls-Beverly http://susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com/2012/08/flying-lessons-and-art-of-giving-back.html
Sofia Dabalsa http://sofiadabalsa.blogspot.com
Ursula Smith http://EasyScraps.com/blog
Deborah Eaton http://www.deborahgeaton.com/blog/
Creative Clearinghouse http://creativeclearinghouse.com/Online-Class-Reviews/blog/2012/447/Spirit-Giving
Lenore Angela http://lenoreangela.blogspot.ca/2012/08/giving-back.html
Katharina Star http://www.blog.katharinastar.com
Rachél Payne http://wp.me/pWRyw-10P
Sherry Richert Belul http://www.simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup/gifts
Deborah Velasquez http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com/2012/08/flying-giving-mentoring-and-celebrating.html
Shannon Etnyre http://www.livingwithumami.com
Live Laugh Love Retreats http://livelaughloveretreats.com
Kelley Miller Artworks http://kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/
Wini Dougall http://artloveandjoy.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/giving-flight-giving-back-blog-hop-and.html
Carol Bray http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-spirit-of-giving-back-by-giving.html
Diane Enright http://dianeenrightphotography.wordpress.com/
Mary Cottingham http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/2012/08/fluing-lessons-anniversary-blog-hop.html
Susan Dietz http://flutterbeforeyou.blogspot.com
Kim Hyer http://www.apaperaddict.com
Tina Carlborg http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com
Catherine Pistone http://catherinepistone.blogspot.com/
Mary MacIlvain http://maryart.macilvain.com
Carolyn Chenault http://carolynchenault.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/the-big-giveaway


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I'd heard the song before, but it wasn't until the other day, sitting in my unfinished basement listening to the amazing album Pink Flag (which seems to be a music meme at the moment), that I realized the '90s British pop band Elastica directly stole its '95 hit "Connection" from Wire's song "Three Girl Rhumba."
Looking into this it seems that they stole other songs from Wire, and some from other bands including The Stranglers (Elastica's "Waking Up" bears similarities to "No More Heroes"). For this imprudence, Wire brought a lawsuit and settled out of court, but received no compensation.
A friend told me—and yes, this is hearsay—that Elastica originally wanted to cover "Three Girl Rhumba," but Wire wouldn't let them, so the band just plagiarized the song instead. Why do people blatantly steal music like that? What's the motivation?


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Yanks, Indians postponed for second straight night
CLEVELAND -- The Yankees and Indians were rained out for the second consecutive day on Thursday, prompting manager Joe Girardi to question how schedules are set for the early part of the season.
The Yankees won the two games of the series that were played before inclement weather forced the postponements of the contests on Wednesday and Thursday. No makeup dates have been announced, and this is the Yankees' only scheduled trip to Cleveland this season.
"I don't think you can come to cold-weather cities [in April] if you're only going to go there once," Girardi said. "I think you've got to stay within your division first."
Thursday's game was scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET and officially announced as postponed at approximately 9 p.m.
"I know teams want night games, and I understand that," Girardi said. "But if you would have had a day game today, it gives you a longer window to play."
Girardi expects the two games to be made up as a day-night doubleheader on May 13, a mutual off-day for New York and Cleveland, but that has not been finalized or officially announced.
"I don't think there's anything else you can do," he said.
Right-hander Phil Hughes, who never warmed up on Thursday, will now be assigned to the bullpen for a few days. CC Sabathia will start as scheduled against the Orioles on Friday at Yankee Stadium.
Ivan Nova had been scheduled to start on Wednesday against the Indians and also will be in the bullpen on Friday, when more inclement weather is in the forecast.
"We'll just keep everyone on target as much as we can, as many guys as we can," Girardi said. "The other two guys, I know it's tough, but it's what we're going to do."
Hughes is lining up to pitch next Tuesday against the D-backs in New York. He has no issues with how Thursday's game was handled.
"We've gone through rain delays before," Hughes said. "You just have to sit it out and wait. Everybody was looking at the radar, and it didn't look good. We were just kind of holding tight and hoping we would get a window in, but obviously, that didn't happen."


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Thomasville named All-America City
3 NC cities among 10 picked nationwide
They did it! A collaborative effort in Thomasville earned the Chair City the title of All-America City. The award was announced Sunday night.
Two other cities in North Carolina earned the status too — Dunn and Garner. Only 10 in the nation made it to the top. Other cities which earned the status include Birmingham, Ala.; Montrose, Colo.; Dubuque, Iowa; Downey, Calif.; Peoria, Ill.; Owensboro, Ky. and Norfolk, Va.
The team is due back at the Chamber office on Randolph Street about 5:30 p.m. Monday and hope the community will celebrate success with them.
The National Civic League named the 10 winners of the 2013 All-America City Awards, an honor given each year to towns, cities, counties, neighborhoods and metropolitan regions for outstanding civic achievement.
According to a press release, the awards program since 1949 has recognized more than 650 communities for addressing local challenges with innovative, grassroots strategies that promote civic engagement and cooperation between the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Hundreds of civic leaders and community volunteers met in Denver, Colo., over the weekend to exchange ideas and present their stories of positive change to a jury of civic experts. Members of each delegation described in detail their community's response to a range of challenges, everything from joblessness, to housing deterioration from the mortgage crisis to providing health care for returning veterans.
This year's awards had a special focus on communities that implemented programs to recognize or assist veterans and military families.
The 2013 awards celebration opened with a welcome message from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, chairman of the National Civic League Board of Directors.
"Through your applications, preparations and presentations you have already demonstrated the qualities we look for in an All-America City--collaboration, innovation, inclusiveness and a can-do spirit," he noted in a video statement to the delegates. "In the eyes of the National Civic League Board, staff and All-America City volunteers, every community here is a winner."
Among the finalists were Brush, Colorado; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Miami Lakes, Florida; Sarasota County, Florida; Natchitoches, Louisiana; Canton, New York; Folly Beach, South Carolina; The Colony, Texas and Platteville, Wisconsin.
For information about the National Civic League, visit www.allamericacityaward.com.


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Freezing temperatures hampered firefighters as a wind-whipped blaze ripped through one of the Midwest's biggest greenhouse operations, destroying up to two dozen greenhouses.
Green Circle Growers said Wednesday the fire engulfed a production barn and 5 acres of its 105 acres of greenhouse space.
There were no reports of injuries in the fire Tuesday night and early Wednesday near Oberlin, 30 miles southwest of Cleveland.
No cause was immediately determined.
Chief Brian Jackson of the Camden Township Fire Department told WJW-TV that 20 to 25 greenhouses were destroyed. The greenhouses are heated by a boiler fueled by wood chips.
Firefighters were hindered by 20-degree temperatures and 30 mph winds. Florence Township Assistant Fire Chief Jim Carrico said tanker truck valves froze.
The greenhouse grows pansies, orchids and bonsai trees.


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Horror helmer Ti West is prepping "The Innkeepers," about the last two staffers of a haunted hotel that's going out of business.
MPI Media Group's Dark Sky Films will finance and produce along with Larry Fessenden's Glass Eye Pix. Derek Curl, Fessenden and Peter Phok produce. West and MPI exec VP Greg Newman concluded the production deal at Sundance, which wrapped on Sunday.
West said he intends "Innkeepers" to be "a truly terrifying" follow-up to his 2009 pic "The House of the Devil." Lensing will begin in Connecticut this spring.
Chicago-based homevid specialist MPI also financed West's "House of the Devil," which was distributed Stateside by Magnolia Pictures' genre label Magnet Releasing.
West directed Lionsgate's "Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever," which bows on DVD next month. Helmer had been attached to Gold Circle's "The Haunting in Georgia."
Writer-director Fessenden has been involved as a producer and an actor on a number of West's pics starting with the helmer's 2005 feature debut "The Roost." Fessenden is nominated for the Producers Award at the upcoming Spirit Awards.
Among other MPI-backed pics is Adam Green's "Hatchet 2," a sequel to Anchor Bay's 2007 hit "Hatchet," which is now in production. MPI retains distrib rights to the pic. Company also recently picked up Michele and Kieran Mulroney's "Paper Man," starring Jeff Daniels and Ryan Reynolds.


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Welcome to Troop 17's website. Troop 17 was chartered by High Street United Methodist Church in 1913 and has been serving the youth of Southampton County, Virginia for the last 104 years.
You may be asking "why my son should be involved in Scouting?". If you're looking for an activity to entertain your son when there is nothing more important to do, where you can just drop him off and go do other things, that sounds like daycare.
But, if you're looking for a fun activity that will change you son's life and help him become a leader as well as a better adult, where your involvement is vital, then Scouting is what you're looking for.
A well-rounded boy should have involvement with his family, church, school, Scouting, music, and sports. Our program makes time for these other important commitments, and we hope that you as parents encourage your son to take full advantage of a variety of life's experiences while he is growing up, and not be too narrowly focused.
You can't get what Scouting offers anywhere but Scouting!
It's more than fun - it's an Adventure!
Please contact us for more information with the above link.
So, WHY SCOUTING?
Scouting is a GAME with PURPOSE - designed to develop the leaders of the future by focusing on:
* strong character
* good citizenship
* all-round fitness
The eight methods used by all good troops make Scouting unique:
* Scouting Ideals
(Promise, Law, Motto, Slogan)
* Patrol System
* Advancement
* Outdoor Program
* Adult Role Models
* Leadership Development
* Personal Growth
* Scout Uniform
Thank you to our sponsor, High Street United Methodist Church
Please visit the Colonial Virginia Council Newsletter
Bryan Fenters
Committee Chairman
David Benton
Assistant Scoutmasters
Tom Jones
Robin Mason
Eric Cooke
Mark Drumheller
Joe Edenfield
Ed Hull
Frank Jester
Harold Burkett
Raye Moore
Lewis Brown, Sr
Dan Johnson
Lynn Powell
David Hall
Bill Scarboro
Ben Scarboro
Joe Belmonte
Committee Members
Bess Kannan
Jimmy Strozier
Kent Stephenson
Bill Peak
Jerry Vick


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Judge Soon to Decide Lawsuit Involving Busch
CAPE GIRARDEAU - A southeast Missouri judge says he'll resolve next month a wrongful-death lawsuit against the former Anheuser Busch chief executive over the 2010 drug overdose death of that beer magnate's girlfriend.
Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge William Syler told both sides during a hearing Tuesday that he'll decide the civil lawsuit involving August Busch IV on Nov. 14.
Syler says he will determine whether to accept or reject Busch's offer of $1.55 million to end the lawsuit filed on behalf of Adrienne Martin's son and mother.
Martin was 27 when she died in 2010 of what authorities said was an accidental overdose at Busch's St. Louis area home. An autopsy revealed prolonged cocaine use and found that Martin had suffered an overdose of the prescription painkiler oxycodone.


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SAN FRANCISCO - Computers controlled by a swipe of the hand - a staple of science fiction flicks like 'Minority Report' - could soon hit the mass market as the result of a new deal between Hewlett-Packard and San Francisco startup Leap Motion.
As the world's largest PC maker, HP's move to embrace motion-sensing technology could potentially change how people interface with computers in the same way that Apple made touch-screen technology mainstream with the 2007 launch of the iPhone - or when Apple first introduced the mouse to consumers in 1983.
Leap Motion, a three-year-old firm with less than 100 employees in San Francisco, manufactures sensor units about the size of a pack of gum, which it claims can track the individual movements of 10 fingers with 1/100th of a millimeter precision.
The units can plug into any computer and allow the use of apps or software designed for motion-control sensors.
Under the new deal, HP will initially ship Leap Motion's sensors with its products before eventually embedding the technology directly into HP computers, the companies said.
The sensors are on sale at major retailers for $80 but will not ship until May 13. The companies did not say when the HP devices with built-in sensors would be sold.
'Consumers want to go to the next level when creating and interacting with digital content,' Ron Coughlin, an HP senior vice president in charge of consumer PCs, said in a statement Tuesday. 'Leap Motion's groundbreaking 3-D motion control combined with HP technology and amazing developer apps will create incredible user experiences.'
The agreement comes at a time when tech manufacturers like Microsoft, Google and Apple have all expressed interest in motion-sensing technology. In 2010, Microsoft brought the technology to millions of living rooms with its popular Kinect box made to be used with the XBox game console. Last year, Samsung unveiled a television set that could be controlled from across the room with hand gestures.
Andy Miller, Leap Motion's chief operating officer and a former Apple executive, said the motion technology could both enhance recreational uses such as gaming and be a practical tool for business professionals.
In order to show off its wide appeal, Leap Motion has invited third-party developers to make apps in a model similar to Apple's App Store. So far, 50,000 developers have submitted niche apps that use gestures to create 3-D models, simulate musical instruments or even manipulate surgical robots.
But Miller hoped that the HP deal could pave the way for gesture-based control in daily, mainstream computing. The next step was to embed the technology into tablets and mobile devices, he said.
'This is great validation for motion-control technology,' Miller said. 'Going forward you're going to see this embedded in a whole range of devices.'
Even if it is introduced only in a limited number of models, the new technology could infuse some much-needed cool into HP, which is in the midst of the multi-year restructuring and has been struggling to stem the decline in personal computers as smartphones and tablets surge in popularity.
The company's consumer PC sales, particularly, have been hurt severely.
HP saw a 24 percent decline in PC sales in the first three months of the year but just managed to hold on to its title of No. 1 global PC supplier, with 15.7 percent market share, according to research firm IDC.
Overall, PC sales slipped 14 percent during the period, the biggest decline in two decades of keeping records, IDC said.


text: So what if your game is not perfect! Have a little "pick me up" while on the Golf Course with our newest addition to Mens Gifts. The Flask is removable from the leather case and can be engraved for a personalized gift. Price includes an optional 3 Initial engraving. Please enter initials in Name Order: First, Middle, then Last. Allow five business days for engraving. Additional engraving is optional: $20 for the first 5 letters and $1.50 per letter after.Item #140093


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Based on the first chart, it appears that the consensus of manufacturers expect DDR4 to really hit the market in 2015. In other words, none of these IC specifications should be anything for system builders to be concerned over for quite some time.
The JEDEC standards group has announced its intentions to finalize the DDR4 specification sometime in 2011 and begin commercial production in 2012. However, the next generation DDR4 SDRAM memory technology is expected to introduce a radical change to the topology of the chipset memory subsystems on desktops, notebooks and in enterprise server environments. As bit-tech mentioned back in April, Intel's upcoming Sandy Bridge-E platform based on socket LGA 2011 is expected to feature quad-channel DDR3 memory, or one DIMM per channel in order to maximize memory bandwidth available to the rest of the system. This type of implementation would require a Point-to-Point memory controller design, where parallelism shifts from the DIMM channels to the memory controller itself.
Source: bit-tech
In order to compensate for high memory capacity in the enterprise server marketplace, it is expected that server motherboards will use high performance digital switches to distribute memory controller processing to a larger number of channel nodes. The concept is very similar to the PCI-Express switches that have been implemented over the years, and many will probably recall Nvidia's NForce 200 chip performing a nearly identical function for distributing more lanes to high-bandwidth GPUs. However, analysts are expecting the server implementation to use some form of error checking and correction due to the complexity of the subsystem topology.
Source: PC Watch
As far as performance is concerned, we can expect DDR4 memory to scale up to and possibly over 4.266GHz speeds by 2015. While JEDEC continues its work on finalizing the performance aspect of the next-generation standard, it is expected that DDR3 should receive a new frequency standard that should scale all the way up to 2133MHz at just 1.25v. By this time, DDR4 will have just been introduced to the market (the enthusiast market, we should say) and will continue the performance roadmap around DDR4-2133MHz at 1.20v. As PC Watch notes, however, there is a misconception between how much voltage is decreasing in the technology roadmap versus how much power consumption is increasing relative to the original PC-133 at 3.3v memory specification. Although DDR4 2133MHz memory at 1.20v seems like a significant accomplishment for JEDEC and industry giants, the standard actually consumes four times more power for performance than SDR 133MHz memory did at 3.3v so long ago. In essence, it is the quality of the size reductions on future advanced processing nodes at 28nm and below that will determine the scale of efficiency for future memory modules.
In addition to the high-bandwidth performance gains we can expect from the transition to DDR4 in a few years, the new standard features a 3D chip stacking technique that should allow much higher GB capacities than ever before. Introduced by Intel in late 2006, Through-hole Silicon Via (TSV) is a low-cost, highly economical vertical electrical connection technology used to stack large quantities of CPU cores and memory ICs on top of one another in 3D space. In a nutshell, it allows memory manufacturers to stack ICs in vertical pillers so they occupy less space. As a result, the market's adoption of the technology could lead to a day where single 64GB memory modules are available to enterprise server environments, allowing memory capacity to scale up way beyond its current chipset limits.
Source: PC Watch
All in all, there are still several design concerns that DRAM manufacturers need to address when scaling down to more advanced process nodes. With the introduction of TSV stacking, IC leakage poses a greater threat to DRAM stability than it does in its current state. It would also produce more heat in relation to package density, and we expect heatsinks will need to be redesigned with extensive research affordances in order to compensate. Analysts have also predicted that 3D IC stacking can lead to lower overclocks and lower voltage walls for enthusiast system builders. All of these questions remain to be determined over the next few years, and as semiconductor manufacturers continue to progress towards denser IC packages, stability concerns in relation to Moore's Law will become the forefront of design success.