3D Printed Stock Charts

thingiverse

This concept extends 3D printing far beyond its typical applications and focuses instead on creative ways to utilize the technology from a business perspective, one that's more interested in innovation than accumulating material goods. As an experiment in exploring non-traditional uses for 3D printing, it's understandable if this idea seems more like a curiosity than a practical application. Nonetheless, there are some potential legitimate uses worth considering, such as during a meeting where having a physical representation of stock data could be very useful. For example, imagine having a 3D printed stock chart that displays when the stock was bought and sold. It's even possible to modify this design so it shows the expected trajectory of the stock, further enhancing its educational value. Of course, using 3D printing for something as mundane as displaying stock information might not be the most inspiring application, but as a proof of concept, it demonstrates the potential versatility of 3D technology in unique settings. To replicate this project, I've provided step-by-step instructions in the following section, culminating in an example that maps Apple's performance over the past five years. Instructions Step 1: Locate and download a stock chart as a visual image; screenshots work well for this purpose. Step 2: Edit the stock chart by converting it into a suitable format using a preferred photo editing software. I used Gimp for this process, but other applications can also be used to achieve similar results. Step 3: In the edited version of the stock chart, apply colors according to your preference; I recommend keeping all data points below the trendline in black and changing those above it to white for clear visibility. Step 4: Export the color-corrected stock chart as a format suitable for 3D conversion. This can be achieved by uploading the image to Shapeways’ website (https://www.shapeways.com/creator/2dto3d#landing) and using their online tool for this purpose. Step 5: Once the transformation into a 3D model has been completed, proceed with exporting it as an STL file using Nettfab Basic software. Please note that this export might require specific conversion or manipulation due to unique format requirements of different software tools. Step 6: Lastly, print your design using high resolution for optimal results and better clarity.