From bits to atoms, the Ponoko approach

[folini]

Hi,
Ponoko is a small company in New Zealand pioneering new approaches to manufacturing. They are inspired by the ideas of Neil Gershenfeld, the famous MIT professor (if you don't know Neil, I would recommend to take a look at this great video).

I had the opportunity to interview David ten Have, the Ponoko CEO. If you are interested, the complete interview is available on the Novedge blog.

Franco Folini

[NEATman]

Franco-
I know this is an old thread, but I just stumbled across a wired article about this company.
http://www.wired.com/culture/design/...8/12/pl_create

What a cool idea! I was looking through Ponoko website, and I came across the free plans for the reprap extruder head. You can turn your cnc machine into a rapid-prototype machine that will "grow" parts with this attachment:
http://www.ponoko.com/showroom/repra...-extruder-2272
Plus, there are all kinds of other free plans on here.

This service can give the "mere mortal" non-CNC owner a chance to make thier own custom stuff, and also a chance to market and sell it. It is also a great way for DIY'ers to have one off parts made - for any reason - you could have a MDF router frame laser cut and shipped to you for example.

Anyway, you are a year and a half ahead of me - what other cool websites have you found in the meantime?

Keith
NEATman