Related Sections: Future Tech
Desktop Factory 3D printer brings us a step closer to a Star Trek replicator
The first affordable Desktop Factory 3D printer is just about to ship, paving the way for even more sophisticated manufacturing in the future. This first home 3D printer will cost between $5,000 and $7,000 and will be roughly the size of early laser printers. Starting out with powdered plastic, it layers the plastic material so precisely that it exactly conforms to the software 3D model that serves as its guide.
Similar 3D printers used for quick design protyping have been available for around ten years, but the $15,000 devices have been prohibitively expensive, owned only by major corporations and researchers. However, more-accessible Desktop Factory technology is just the beginning of 3D printing, where scientists foresee even more complex products being manufactured as the printers get exponentially more sophisticated.
Could this be another example of Star Trek tech becoming a reality? This home 3D printer brings us closer to the day when we'll have replicators like those on Star Trek: The Next Generation, making entire meals at the touch of a button and creating complex objects from simple materials. In the meantime, soon you'll be able to download spare parts for toys and build them in a few minutes, or even prototype your own designs, right in your home.
Desktop Factory, via The New York Times
By DavemanXP at 7:21 PM ON 05/12/07
Now THAT is slick. The applications are almost endless. Scultures, jewelry designs (cheap jewlery - lol), toys..., and more loads more.
By christhemad at 11:52 PM ON 05/12/07
lol that last part there might just be an understatment. just how much tho would it cost for the "ink/toner" for the printer
By galacticaftw at 10:13 AM ON 05/30/07
my high school tech dpt got a 12"W/12L"/9"H plastic printer. it is sick, though it takes a ling time to print. i want to try one of thies.
By ryokukitsune at 9:51 AM ON 05/21/08
well the concept of 3d stereo lithography has been around for a while but let me tell you as someone who has tried to A) get something scanned into 3d and B) subsequently printed its about as easy as buying a used car when you know noting about engines.
the major business that have 3d printers usually don't lease them out and if they do they expect a bulk order of some kind. I've been looking for a while for a cheep and inexpensive solution just to fabricate some models from my portfolio though until i can get a figurette made for less than $150 for a 3in tall un painted digital sculpture I'll be saving up for this one.
by the way who makes those?
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ryokukitsune:
well the concept of 3d stereo lithography has been around for a while but let me tell you as someone who has tried ...More »