3D printing Archives

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Building A Minecraft Lantern For Halloween

A team at Hulk has created a 3D-printed replica of the Minecraft lantern for Halloween. The lantern features a 3D printed enclosure that mimics the game's design and is made of six parts assembled with acrylic lenses to diffuse light. It uses an Arduino Nano to control lighting effects with NeoPixel LED rings, allowing customizable RGB colors through integrated rotary pots. The lantern is powered by an 18650 lithium-ion cell and a TP4056 module for battery maintenance. This project exemplifies the merging of technology and creativity in the maker community.

AppWizard

September 1, 2025

This 3D Printed Minecraft Compass Points Wherever You Want

The Minecraft compass has been transformed into a functional 3D-printed navigation device that directs users to any location on Earth. Unlike traditional compasses that point north, this device uses a microcontroller and GPS module to calculate the bearing to a programmed destination, with a motor rotating the needle to point toward the coordinates. Users can input longitude and latitude for various locations, making it a personalized navigation tool suitable for hikers and travelers. The project addresses challenges like power management and GPS accuracy, and the design is open source, allowing others to create or modify their versions.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

Gamer Creates 3D-Printed Minecraft Compass That Points North in the Real World

The Minecraft compass, created by maker chaosgoo on GitHub, is a 3D-printed handheld device that functions as a real-world compass while mimicking the game's design. It requires a 3D printer and features a casing designed to reflect the game's pixelated aesthetic. The compass uses a thin, semi-transparent acrylic panel and a grid of WS2812B LEDs to illuminate a red needle that moves in sync with the device's directional capabilities, provided by an ESP32C3 microcontroller and a digital magnetometer sensor. It includes a "spawn point" mode for custom locations and a "Nether mode" that simulates the game's chaotic needle movement. The device is powered by a 500mAh battery and offers configuration options via WiFi or Bluetooth, with a single multifunction button for operation. The GitHub repository provides open-source files, firmware instructions, and pre-built firmware options.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

I’m obsessed with this 3D-printed Minecraft compass that uses GPS to point to any location

A 3D-printed Minecraft compass has been developed by chaosgoo on GitHub, utilizing an ESP32 microcontroller and GPS technology. This compass not only mimics the in-game item but also functions in the real world by guiding users to specific locations based on latitude and longitude coordinates. It features modes for setting a "spawn point" and navigating to chosen coordinates. The device includes various functionalities accessed through button presses, such as toggling between modes, revealing the IP address, sensor calibration, and performing a factory reset. Resources for creating the compass, including code and a 3D printable file, are available on its GitHub page.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Windows File Explorer is fine, actually, and these 6 PowerToys add-ons make it even better

File Explorer in Windows 11 has received enhancements through Microsoft’s PowerToys, which improve its functionality and reduce the need for third-party applications. Key features include: - Preview Pane: PowerToys expands the Preview pane to support additional file types such as SVG, JSON, XML, markdown files, and geometric code, allowing users to view file contents without opening them. - Thumbnail Display: The thumbnail feature now supports SVG, geometric code, and STL files, enabling users to visually identify 3D objects quickly. - File Locksmith: This tool helps users identify and terminate processes that are preventing files from being deleted, allowing for better file management. - PowerRename: Users can rename multiple files simultaneously with greater flexibility, including replacing strings, adjusting whitespace, and using regular expressions. - Peek: This feature allows users to view nearly full-size previews of files using a keyboard shortcut, improving productivity by enabling file navigation without opening separate applications. - New+: Users can create templates for various file types, allowing for quick generation of formatted documents through a right-click in File Explorer.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

This Real-Life Minecraft Compass Points the Way to the Nearest Lodestone

Minecraft has evolved over 15 years from a basic game to a complex platform that allows players to craft advanced tools, including a compass that can guide them to specific locations. Chaosgoo has created a DIY compass that replicates the in-game compass in real life, allowing users to set destinations via a companion app. The compass uses a custom printed circuit board (PCB) featuring an ESP32-C3-MINI microcontroller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a USB connector, a lithium battery charger, and a digital compass. It includes 42 individually addressable RGB LEDs and a light diffuser that creates a voxel-like appearance for the compass needle. The device is designed for 3D printing and is portable. Documentation for building the compass is primarily in Chinese, but resources are available on MakerWorld, OSHW Hub, and GitHub.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Japanese boffins invent the ‘world’s smallest shooting game’ by using an electron beam to blast particles one billionth of a metre in size

A research team at Nagoya University in Japan has developed what they claim to be the "world's smallest shooting game," utilizing nanoparticles measuring 1 billionth of a meter. The game combines digital and physical elements, where players use a digital controller to interact with nanoscale polystyrene balls, which act as enemies. An electron beam projects a spaceship on a display and generates electric fields to influence the nanoparticles' movement. The technology showcases potential applications beyond gaming, including advancements in 3D printing and targeted medical interventions. A video demonstrates the technology, showing the beam directing focus toward the nanoparticles.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Microsoft Launches The Cybersafe AI: Dig Deeper Minecraft Education DLC

A free DLC for Minecraft Education is now available through the Microsoft Store, allowing players to assume the role of a student organizing a fundraiser that highlights the application of AI in 3D printing. The experience encourages players to engage in fact-checking and develop critical thinking skills. This initiative is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to promote computer literacy and AI skills among young gamers.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft Education Launches CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper

Mojang has released a new downloadable content (DLC) for Minecraft Education called CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, coinciding with Safer Internet Day. This DLC aims to educate players about the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) through gameplay. Players take on the role of students organizing a fundraiser and explore AI technology for 3D printing animals, facing challenges that emphasize responsible AI usage. The DLC does not involve direct interaction with generative AI but simulates its use to foster understanding of responsible engagement. CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on previous CyberSafe DLCs, which have educated players on digital citizenship skills. The CyberSafe series has achieved over 80 million downloads since 2022, and players can use the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit for additional support.