Exploring The Markforged 3D Printer's Camera Functionality

Markforged 3D printing technology has been used by film and photography professionals to create equipment that is both lightweight and durable. The AXA 360 camera system, for example, allows film creators to record seamless, high-quality 360-degree videos. Markforged's printers have also been used to create custom camera tripods and camera mounts for GoPros and iPods, which are used to capture time-lapse videos of prints.

Markforged's AXA 360 camera system

Markforged's AXA360 camera system is a powerful tool for film creators, enabling them to capture seamless, high-quality 360-degree video content. This innovative system offers a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for film creators, providing numerous benefits over traditional camera setups.

One of the key advantages of the AXA360 camera system is its lightweight design. The frame is crafted using Onyx and Carbon Fiber, resulting in a rig that is significantly lighter than those made from 7075 Aluminum. This weight reduction enhances portability and manoeuvrability, making it easier for filmmakers to capture dynamic shots and transport their equipment between locations.

The AXA360 camera system is also highly versatile. By utilising Markforged's X7 Industrial printer, filmmakers can quickly and easily print custom mounts and tripods that meet their specific requirements. This level of customisation ensures that the camera can be securely attached to various surfaces and positioned at different angles, heights, and degrees of freedom.

In addition, the AXA360 camera system delivers high-quality visuals. The camera captures seamless 360-degree videos with exceptional clarity, providing viewers with an immersive experience. This capability is particularly valuable for creating engaging content, such as time-lapse videos, which Markforged frequently showcases on their Instagram and other social media platforms.

The AXA360 camera system also offers enhanced durability. The use of Onyx and Carbon Fiber in the construction of the camera frame results in a sturdy and rigid structure. This durability ensures that the camera can withstand the challenges of on-location filming, reducing the risk of damage during transportation and setup.

Overall, Markforged's AXA360 camera system is a game-changer for film creators, offering unparalleled flexibility, portability, and visual quality. By leveraging the capabilities of 3D printing and customisation, filmmakers can push the boundaries of their craft, capturing dynamic and immersive content that was previously difficult to achieve.

Custom camera tripod

Markforged's blog details the process of creating a custom camera tripod for their printers. The tripod is designed to meet specific requirements, such as height and degrees of freedom, that off-the-shelf tripods may not satisfy. By printing their own tripod, they can ensure it fits their exact specifications.

The process of creating a custom tripod starts with determining the specific needs and constraints. In the case of Markforged, they required a tripod that could be positioned on a table near the printer and have the flexibility to capture shots from different angles.

The next step is to design the tripod to meet these requirements. This involves considering factors such as height, weight, stability, and ease of use. Markforged opted for a simple tripod design that could be quickly printed and customised with off-the-shelf hardware.

The actual printing process can vary depending on the equipment and materials used. Markforged used their own 3D printers to create the tripod legs and apex, ensuring they had the required rigidity and stability to support the camera.

Once the tripod is printed, it can be customised further with additional accessories. Markforged also designed and printed custom mounts for their GoPros and iPod Touch to connect them to the print bed, ensuring they were positioned correctly to capture the desired footage.

GoPro mounts

Markforged has used GoPro cameras to capture videos and time-lapse footage of their 3D printing process. To do this, they have designed and printed their own GoPro mounts.

The first mount, the GoPro Hero Build Plate Mount, was designed to hold the GoPro far enough from the print bed to capture most of the build plate. It also needed to have wide splayed connection points on the top of the build plate so that the mount itself did not get in the frame. This mount slides right onto the build plate and seats the GoPro comfortably. The angle of the GoPro is slightly tilted to get a better view of the print.

The second mount, the GoPro Session Build Plate Mount, was designed to capture footage from the corner of the build plate, rather than the front. This mount is even smaller and better contained than the previous one, and it has a flexible clip feature to better contain the GoPro. This mount also slides onto the corner of the build plate and seats the lens at an angle to capture the whole build plate. Like the other GoPro mount, it sits outside of the build area, so there is no risk of the print head running into it.

The GoPro mounts can be 3D printed using the STL files provided by Markforged.

iPod Touch mounts

Markforged uses an iPod Touch to capture time-lapse footage of its 3D printing process. The iPod Touch is mounted directly onto the build plate to capture the footage. The mount is designed to be rigid and straight to ensure the stability of the footage.

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VidaMount On-Wall iPod Touch Mount

The VidaMount on-wall iPod Touch mount supports the 5th, 6th, and 7th generations of the iPod Touch. It has a low-profile design, with a thickness of about 1/2" (12-13mm). The mount features a snap-on cover that allows easy access to the iPod and can be installed on any wall or surface without requiring a cutout. It can be mounted in portrait or landscape orientation and provides access to the iPod's power button.

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Arkon Mounts for Apple iPod Touch

Arkon offers a range of mounting solutions for the Apple iPod Touch, including the Slim-Grip Smartphone Holder with a Dual-T Mount. This holder is compatible with iPhones, Galaxies, and Notes, and can be used with any Arkon Dual-T-Tab mounting pedestal. It supports smartphones up to 5.2" tall.

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Amazon Car Headrest Tablet Holder

The Amazon Car Headrest Tablet Holder is a 3-in-1 extension arm adjustable tablet car mount compatible with 4.7-11" tablets, including the iPod Touch. It is designed to be attached to the headrest of a car seat, making it ideal for backseat passengers. It has a black colour and received a seller rating of 4.9/5.

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Amazon Cup Holder Tablet Mount

The Amazon Cup Holder Tablet Mount is a universal tablet car cradle holder compatible with all iPad models, including the iPod Touch. It features a sturdy design and can be adjusted to fit different tablet sizes. It received a seller rating of 4.9/5.

3D-printed camera equipment

3D printing has become a popular way to create camera equipment, with many photographers in the 3D printing community. 3D printing allows photographers to create custom equipment that is tailored to their specific needs, which might otherwise be hard to find or expensive.

Camera Mounts

One of the most common uses of 3D printing in photography is to create camera mounts. These can be attached to a backpack, for example, making it easier for wildlife photographers to carry their camera without neck strain. Various GoPro mounts can also be 3D printed, with flexible and resilient materials such as Flexfill 98a, PETG, or PC Blend.

Tripods

Simple tripods can also be 3D printed, although they may not be as durable as professional products, especially when it comes to locking mechanisms and moving parts. However, 3D-printed tripods are cheap and compact, and can be designed to fit specific requirements, such as height and degrees of freedom.

Flash Diffusers and OCF Grids

Flash OCF grids and diffusers can be 3D printed, providing an effective, professional-looking, and cheap alternative to store-bought products, which can cost around 100 USD.

Lens Hoods and Lens Cap Holders

Original lens hoods can be very expensive, often costing dozens or even hundreds of USD. 3D printing offers a cost-effective alternative, although the result may not be as durable. Similarly, 3D printing can be used to create lens cap holders, which can be attached to a strap to prevent the loss of lens caps.

Other Accessories

Other 3D-printed camera accessories include cases for SD cards, batteries, and other equipment, as well as lens filter boxes and protective cases for lenses.

Frequently asked questions