Why Oculus Medium is the VR boost that could bring 3D printing to the mainstream

One of the last things you’d expect from virtual reality would be the ability to create things that can live in the real world, but with the release of the Oculus Medium, we got just that. 

This 3D-printed monkey is the product of Oculus Medium. Image source: Mashable.

Although the Oculus app allows you to sculpt in VR, what may not be obvious is that anything you create in the app can be exported to an .obj file (the format for virtual 3D projects) that can then be sent to most 3D printers for fabrication. And, just like that, VR has cleared what’s perhaps the largest hurdle that’s hindered the progress of many 3D-printing enthusiasts: the steep learning curve associated with 3D apps.

Now, instead of being faced with months of training to use the basics of computer-aided design (CAD) apps, Oculus Medium gives you the freedom to use your hands to craft just about anything that comes to mind. Once your creation is complete, preparing the object, such as toys, jewelry, or accessories for 3D printing is simple as pressing an export button and sending the file to your 3D printer.

Just days after the app’s launch, the Oculus team soft-launched a community for Medium, which is designed to focus on the enthusiasm around the app’s users. While many of those posting samples of their work online aren’t professional artists, the resulting creations demonstrate the promise of what’s possible from 3D design dabblers. For those who are CAD experts, the examples of what they can achieve show how powerful Oculus Medium can be.

Of course, much of the potential for VR-to-3D printing gaining traction depends on if VR itself can penetrate the mainstream. But if you think 3D printing was for design pros and hobbyists only, know that Oculus Medium promises to change your mind.

Source: Mashable