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3D copier puts normal copy machines to shame
Copy machines have been a staple of offices for decades now, but they've always had one drawback: they only copy in 2D. And we live in a 3D world. What gives?
Well, the new ZPrinter 350 from Z Corporation solves that problem. For a mere $25,900, it'll use snap-in cartridges of material to create objects up to 8 x 10 x 8 inches in size. Sure, it'll take a while at .8 inches per hour vertically, but who are you to complain in the face of such innovation? Suck it, Xerox!
By will at 12:39 PM ON 10/16/09
So what is this? Just a cheapo CnC machine?
By johnkobam at 12:49 PM ON 10/16/09
Should this be called a replicator?
It is the first step in the direction of Star Trek!
By TearEmUp at 1:19 PM ON 10/16/09
Sting, Der Stinger-haufer, Sting-a-ling-a-ding dong dilly. Making copies.....
By dexter at 1:57 PM ON 10/16/09
hopefully in colour :)
By Withidread at 4:29 PM ON 10/16/09
Interesting concept, would be nice to see a demo.
By Steel Fox at 5:50 PM ON 10/16/09
I'm pretty sure its not a CNC machine. Its most likely a 3D printer with form of 3D object scanning mechinism.
3D printers have been out for years I am kinda surpised I haven't heard of something like this sooner.
By pantstofry at 5:57 PM ON 10/16/09
Yeah, it's most likely not a CNC... although it technically could be if they really wanted to make it one i guess... but yeah i thought i read somewhere that it uses some sort of powder? maybe not this model, though.
By P at 6:41 PM ON 10/16/09
I wonder when the first person will hook up a 3d printer to a 3d ultrasounds - presto instant baby replica :)
By Mousa at 10:54 PM ON 10/16/09
ACTUALLY.....we live in a 4D world...with the forth being time.
By Moofa at 4:12 AM ON 10/17/09
Actually, this is very old news. ZCorp are in business for a long time. Please see the whole range of 3D printers from their site. http://www.zcorp.com/en/Products/3D-Printers/spage.aspx
And also, there are many other 3d printers from other companies.
By R3MY at 2:35 PM ON 10/18/09
And then at the Christmas party of 2009 came the next logical step in copier technology . . . the 3D copy of that one guy's butt.
By thisisonlyatest at 4:07 PM ON 10/18/09
I gather that my hardware pirating days are still several years off...
So, that said, what's the purpose of 3D copiers?
Are we going to fax sculptures to each other? Or... is this a highly specialized load of crap that most of us will only need in about 2000 years? Seriously... 3D printer is something that the average person probably doesn't need to be aware of... (seriously... I don't want to know what sort of home based application weird people will come up with for these). (or is that weird home based applications that people will come up with... regardless, I'm shuddering just thinking about it).
By Inferno at 12:22 AM ON 10/19/09
this would be great for medical sciences. just add a hookup to the computer, modify the ink system to print cells and you have an effective machine for making custom organs.
By Anon at 12:44 AM ON 10/21/09
It's called a rapid prototype machine.. ya nutsacks!
By Jedi at 3:27 AM ON 10/21/09
@Mousa: in reality we live in a world of about 11 diemensions.
By sublimo at 7:08 AM ON 10/21/09
Jay Leno has one. He creates spare parts for his classic cars with it.
By Quck at 8:10 AM ON 10/21/09
Mousa, Jedi; everything is relative. and yeh.. we cant move freely in time.. its all just teories. and those 11 dimension is just a bogus webphenomenon
By Field Mouse at 10:23 AM ON 10/21/09
people have been using these for years. real estate model makers especially...
By ondego at 9:19 PM ON 10/22/09
Here are 2 cheap 3D printers that you can make -
http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/WebHome
http://fabathome.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
The 1st one creates parts for itself & therefore cheaper
By new hidden object games at 6:06 AM ON 11/11/09
This is perfect!
By dprime at 10:30 PM ON 11/19/09
3D ink jet printing - many many uses for manufacturers! Awesome stuff!
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
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dprime:
3D ink jet printing - many many uses for manufacturers! Awesome stuff!...More »