I wonder if there are other machine designers out there who also uses Makeblock’s 3D models. Because since 2014 (Original post referring to their first upload) , Makeblock have stopped uploading their basic components’s 3D models to GrabCAD. The following image shows the 3D models they upload in 2013:
Importance of 3D models
When I design machines, I always design in a CAD software before building it. The 3D models of the basic components like beams, brackets, motors, sensors, bearings, pulleys, are very important. The following image shows a machine I recently designed, using a lot of Makeblock parts. I have to model some of these components from either 2D drawings, or measured from the purchased parts.
Other companies have free 3D models available
Many other professional hardware companies or robotics company will have their 3D models available. Commonly shared in step format. These models are commonly used to design robots assembly in CAD software like Solidworks or Inventors. For example this is VEX:
This is McMaster Carr:
Makeblock used to share too
Makeblock promised to be a open source robotic platform. In fact that is in their About Us page. It is a reasonable expectation to expect 3D models of all their parts.
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Most of the basic parts on the website has a drawing. But simply a drawing is not enough. If Makeblock can share a drawing, why not share the 3D model too. Below is a new product, Slide Beam2424-136. There are drawings availble but no 3D models for download.
The following image shows their last upload to GrabCAD, which consist of mainly assemblies, instead of their basic products like the new slider beam or new pneumatic parts.
Share a few sentence can help
@shaiss had done a great job in 2015 calling the community to respond and provided actionable suggestions. I think Makeblock had paid attentioon and improved a lot since. As Makeblock is progressing into a more and more complete platform, I hope that there are other people sharing the same thoughts about 3D models or having similar need. If you also want to see Makeblock going back to their Open Source promise, I encourage you to leave a reply, so @makeblock team will hear us. Thank you.
