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Monday, October 18, 2004

New Printer Prints Actual 3D Objects
Why We Love Technology Dept: Found this on Gizmo.com and almost fell over. "Imagine a machine which accepts CAD drawings, then produces a three dimensional prototype within a few hours for $100 - it now exists. The successful implementation of the technology points the way to this technology eventually finding its way into local bureau which produce while-you-wait samples as a service, and eventually to the home where designs could be downloaded from the internet and manifested at whim.

"In the same way that conventional desktop printers provide computer users with a paper output of their documents, Z Corp.’s 3D printers provide 3D CAD users a physical prototype of real world objects such as a mobile phone, an engine manifold, or a camera. The process operates in a remarkably similar fashion to the ink-jet printer, building layer upon layer of powder and a bonding agent which creates the object, and it can even be done in full colour."

Unbelievable....but if you thought inkjet cartridges were expensive, picture the materials cost for this baby!

--Check out ZCorp

# Permalink Posted at 1:07 PM 4 comments Email this Link

Comments on this Item:

Oh no! I accidentally sent my Pamela Andersen pics to the Z-Corp printer! It will be tied up for days! Delete the print cue! Delete the print cue!

# posted by Anonymous 2:18 PM

That was hilarious. You know that if there is a porn angle, a technology succeeds. Think VCR, telephone, Intenet. So you may be onto something.

# posted by Alice 2:36 PM

Didn't I see this technology on Discovery's Daily Planet a couple of weeks ago? The two designers put an environmental spin on it, showing how you could use the three dimensional printers to make replacements for the plastic bits that have broken off your food processor, Walkman, etc., making them usable again vs. landfill.

They even mentioned a future where you could download the specs from the manufacturer's Web site. The colours were new to me - although, did you check out that phone faceplate at ZCorp? *shudder*

# posted by John 5:31 AM

This isn't a new invention, but it is new at this scale. My college (MSOE) had three huge machines that used different materials to make their models. One used powder, one resin, and one paper. I don't know how valid the comment about replacing parts on your household appliances is quite yet. In my experience these machines are meant for prototypes, and only provide a limited degree of accuracy in the dimensions. The models they make are not sturdy in any sense of the word.

# posted by Anonymous 7:42 AM

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