Latest in 3D Printing Thread

[ScienceRocks]

Engineers pave the way towards 3D printing of personal electronics
November 21, 2012

Engineers pave the way towards 3D printing of personal electronics

Scientists are developing new materials which could one day allow people to print out custom-designed personal electronics such as games controllers which perfectly fit their hand shape.

The University of Warwick researchers have created a simple and inexpensive conductive plastic composite that can be used to produce electronic devices using the latest generation of low-cost 3D printers designed for use by hobbyists and even in the home.

The material, nicknamed 'carbomorph', enables users to lay down electronic tracks and sensors as part of a 3D printed structure – allowing the printer to create touch-sensitive areas for example, which can then be connected to a simple electronic circuit board.

So far the team has used the material to print objects with embedded flex sensors or with touch-sensitive buttons such as computer game controllers or a mug which can tell how full it is.

Read this one from top to bottom as this shows how things will work soon. Smart phones, t.v's, etc will be build in one piece. Less workers and maybe even less when you consider the robot....

These stupid unions are over playing their hands.

 

[ScienceRocks]

Cartilage made easy with novel hybrid printer
November 21, 2012

Cartilage made easy with novel hybrid printer

The printing of three-dimensional tissue has taken a major step forward with the creation of a novel hybrid printer that simplifies the process of creating implantable cartilage.


The printer has been presented today, 22 November, in IOP Publishing's journal Biofabrication, and was used to create cartilage constructs that could eventually be implanted into injured patients to help re-grow cartilage in specific areas, such as the joints.

The printer is a combination of two low-cost fabrication techniques: a traditional ink jet printer and an electrospinning machine. Combining these systems allowed the scientists to build a structure made from natural and synthetic materials. Synthetic materials ensure the strength of the construct and natural gel materials provide an environment that promotes cell growth.

 

[Old Rocks]

Engineers pave the way towards 3D printing of personal electronics
November 21, 2012

Engineers pave the way towards 3D printing of personal electronics

Scientists are developing new materials which could one day allow people to print out custom-designed personal electronics such as games controllers which perfectly fit their hand shape.

The University of Warwick researchers have created a simple and inexpensive conductive plastic composite that can be used to produce electronic devices using the latest generation of low-cost 3D printers designed for use by hobbyists and even in the home.

The material, nicknamed 'carbomorph', enables users to lay down electronic tracks and sensors as part of a 3D printed structure – allowing the printer to create touch-sensitive areas for example, which can then be connected to a simple electronic circuit board.

So far the team has used the material to print objects with embedded flex sensors or with touch-sensitive buttons such as computer game controllers or a mug which can tell how full it is.

Read this one from top to bottom as this shows how things will work soon. Smart phones, t.v's, etc will be build in one piece. Less workers and maybe even less when you consider the robot....

These stupid unions are over playing their hands.

As we move into the age of robotics, there are many 'jobs' that are going the way of the dodo. You state union workers. However, one of the groups that is going to suffer the most will be managers. From first line supervisors to to upper mid-level. Just no need for these people as craftsmen become computer literate.

Which brings up the question. What do we do in a world of 7 billion people when only 10% of them are needed to produce all that is needed for the rest of them to live? Let you ideologues play with that, I sure as hell don't know the answer.

 

[ScienceRocks]

Objet and the Scholarly Way

by Cameron Naramore on November 25, 2012 ·


Objet and the Scholarly Way | 3D Printer

Shortly after his first election the President announced one of his priorities to be the bolstering of America’s education in regards to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These are critical areas of learning in the 21st century where most of our goods are wi-fi enabled. If we’re to ever have transport tubes and replicators we’re going to have to learn our kids the good maths. In support of the Obama Administration’s efforts, Objet recently released a 3D printing package aimed at schools and universities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=19yz2szs4Kc#!


The Objet30 Scholar bundles professional 3D printing with even more convenience than normally associated with the technology by including training, maintenance, and materials delivered on demand. The printer is accurate to 28 microns and comes with Rigid Blue 3D printing material (Objet RGD240); this allows sturdy pieces and moving parts. The invaluable inclusion is the training though, as hands-on tutorials for a printer of this quality are key to fully utilizing its potential. The package comes only in two- and three-year arrangements and material refills are discounted, demonstrating even a monetary commitment to improving the education experience. Students of institutions with high-definition 3D printers have a leg up in engineering, architecture, and pretty much every industry that involves physical stuff. When students can see their ideas materialized their creativity and inventiveness are strengthened, and their concepts of feasibility lose many of their current shackles. Inspiration is a useful tool of educators; if teachers can instill a confidence in their pupils of knowing that their dreams can reach tangible form then they dream bigger. Dreams are good — they hold the future.

 

[ScienceRocks]

The Objet1000: This monster has 10x bigger build area than next largest Objet 3D printer

by mark on November 28, 2012 ·

The Objet1000: 10x bigger build area than next largest 3D printer

Yikes. Look at the size of this new 3D printer. It’s so big the guy in the photo is using a cart to unload a printed model from it. It the new Objet1000 and has a massive build volume of 1000mm x 800mm x 500mm. And that’s ten times the build volume of their next largest system, the Objet Connex500. Incredible. A printer of this size makes the possibility of printing large scale 1:1 models much more likely.

Like other Objet 3D printers, there are more than 100 different materials with which to print, and the Objet1000 can print up to 14 of them in the same model in the same session.

There are two very sexy elements to this video below. One of them is the Objet1000.

http://objet.com/3d-printers/connex/objet1000

Wow, this thing is huge. You can print a bike frame or a chair...

Based on the world’s most effective and efficient prototyping technology, the Objet1000 combines the advanced precision of inkjet-based 3D printing with Objet’s renowned Connex multi-material build capability. Connex technology offers a choice of over 120 materials, with materials that simulate both standard and ABS-grade plastics. In addition, you can print up to 14 materials in a single model to achieve the precise look and feel of your intended end product.

 

[Mr. H.]

It should be called The Objet D'Art 1000.

 

[ScienceRocks]

3D-printed consumer electronics just became a reality
By John Hewitt on November 29, 2012 at 8:00 am
1 Comment

3D-printed consumer electronics just became a reality | ExtremeTech

Embedding sensors and electronics inside of 3D objects in a single build process has been a long sought after goal in 3D printing (3DP). A group led by Simon Leigh, at the University of Warwick in England, has now done just that. Leigh’s group developed a low-cost material they call carbomorph – a carbon black filler in a matrix of a biodegradable polyester.

In addition to being conductive, carbomorph is piezoresistive. This means which that when it is bent or stressed, its resistance changes. Typically the resistance increases as the object is bent because the conductive grains are spread further apart. Piezoresistive strips of carbon nanotubes have been created previously by other groups and used in the measurement of movement, but printing them is something new.

 

[ScienceRocks]

A 3D printer that manufactures new cancer drugs with drag-and-drop DNA


George Dvorsky

Researchers from Parabon NanoLabs have developed a new drug for combating a lethal brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. But what makes this particular drug unique is that it was printed — molecule by molecule — using a DNA self-assembly technique. And even more remarkable is that the DNA was custom designed with a drag-and-drop computer program. The breakthrough will not only drastically reduce the time it takes to both create and test medications, it will also open the door to completely novel drug designs.

The new technology, which was in part funded by the National Science Foundation, is called the Parabon Essemblix Drug Development Platform, and it combines computer-aided design (CAD) software called inSçquio with nanoscale fabrication technology.

A 3D printer that manufactures new cancer drugs with drag-and-drop DNA

 

[strollingbones]

you know i would be so much more impressed with this if we have the flying car and the self cleaning house that we were promised in the 5th grade....now lets figure out when i was in the 5th grade....1963 (?) so where the fuck is that self cleaning house?

 

[ScienceRocks]

you know i would be so much more impressed with this if we have the flying car and the self cleaning house that we were promised in the 5th grade....now lets figure out when i was in the 5th grade....1963 (?) so where the fuck is that self cleaning house?

-Self cleaning house
-Robotic Vacuums
Robot Vacuums | The Best Robotic Vacuum Cleaner - RobotShop

Robotic vacuum cleaner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Domestic robot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'll admit that AI has been far slower than anyone would of thought in the 1960's.

ASIMO - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Flying cars...Well, we never developed anti-gravity.

Here are some cars that can drive down the street and take off.
Samson Switchblade - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Moller M400 Skycar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Terrafugia Transition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

PAL-V - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Within the next 1-3 years I fully expect one of these to hit the market...

 

[Mr. H.]

Flying cars...Well, we never developed anti-gravity.

Here are some cars that can drive down the street and take off.
Samson Switchblade - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Moller M400 Skycar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Terrafugia Transition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

PAL-V - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Within the next 1-3 years I fully expect one of these to hit the market...

...or slam into a self-cleaning house.

 

[strollingbones]

o hell no.....this house did it all.....i remember it was kinda space ship looking....and it would spray water and spin it like washer tumbler....

you aint buying me off with rumba

 

[Mr. H.]

They should print artificial food with that thing. Then paint it to look real.

 

[freedombecki]

you know i would be so much more impressed with this if we have the flying car and the self cleaning house that we were promised in the 5th grade....now lets figure out when i was in the 5th grade....1963 (?) so where the fuck is that self cleaning house?

Here's the cleaner but you have to program it:

 

[Mr. H.]

3-D Printing Sparks Innovation Among Small Firms - Yahoo! Finance

"It's as big perhaps as the invention of assembly lines, mass production," said Andrew Sissons of the Work Foundation. "It really is a big deal and it could bring huge economic benefits," Sissons told CNBC's Louisa Bojesen on Monday.

 

[JimBowie1958]

They should print artificial food with that thing. Then paint it to look real.

Umm, that will be here soon, by 2020 probably.

 

[JimBowie1958]

Engineers pave the way towards 3D printing of personal electronics
November 21, 2012

Engineers pave the way towards 3D printing of personal electronics

Scientists are developing new materials which could one day allow people to print out custom-designed personal electronics such as games controllers which perfectly fit their hand shape.

The University of Warwick researchers have created a simple and inexpensive conductive plastic composite that can be used to produce electronic devices using the latest generation of low-cost 3D printers designed for use by hobbyists and even in the home.

The material, nicknamed 'carbomorph', enables users to lay down electronic tracks and sensors as part of a 3D printed structure – allowing the printer to create touch-sensitive areas for example, which can then be connected to a simple electronic circuit board.

So far the team has used the material to print objects with embedded flex sensors or with touch-sensitive buttons such as computer game controllers or a mug which can tell how full it is.

Read this one from top to bottom as this shows how things will work soon. Smart phones, t.v's, etc will be build in one piece. Less workers and maybe even less when you consider the robot....

These stupid unions are over playing their hands.

As we move into the age of robotics, there are many 'jobs' that are going the way of the dodo. You state union workers. However, one of the groups that is going to suffer the most will be managers. From first line supervisors to to upper mid-level. Just no need for these people as craftsmen become computer literate.

Which brings up the question. What do we do in a world of 7 billion people when only 10% of them are needed to produce all that is needed for the rest of them to live? Let you ideologues play with that, I sure as hell don't know the answer.

While this new tech is maturing, we will have the worst of both situations, lowering employment but prices too high still. But when this tech matures and things reach their end stage, people wont have to work to live a decent life, and many wont.

But for the sake of social stability and controling disease if not basic humanity, we need to make unemployment insurance a permanent payment if a job is not available. We are reaching a time when the only jobs left will be advanced engineering jobs and simmilar white collar jobs on one hand and janitorial labor on the other.

The technological singularity is approaching and promises the utopia that once was the speculation of only ideologues and philosophers.

 

[ScienceRocks]

3D printing with metal: The final frontier of additive manufacturing
By John Hewitt on December 27, 2012 at 9:21 am
3D printing with metal: The final frontier of additive manufacturing | ExtremeTech

The holidays are a great time to sit back, relax, and watch the world happen around you. Few areas of technology have seen as much development in one year as that of 3D printing. Undoubtedly, the most dramatic and challenging has been printing with metal. For your enjoyment, we have assembled a few incredible videos that showcase the power and flexibility of 3D printing with metal — to not be amazed is to be numb to the technology of our day.



The first attempts to print with metal can be traced back to the 1880s when the first welders used carbon electrode arcs to fuse two pieces of metal. They found that if they used a third sacrificial stick of material they could lay down a metal bead. When Humphry Davy first discovered the electric arc in 1800, he chose to call it an arc since the evaporating gases buoyed it up into an erratic but generally rounded shape. It was not until the advent of electron beams and vacuum chambers that precise metal printing would first be made possible.

The real breakthrough that has enabled 3D printing for the masses has been the laser. Spray welding is a technique that has been used for decades to build up worn motor shafts, but it is far too crude for controlled additive printing. Spray welding uses a gravity-fed powdered metal dispenser integrated into a special oxygen-acetylene torch head which melts the powder as it is dispensed. Swapping the torch for a laser gave us the powerful construction tool we have today. A powdered metal feedstream, confined and protected against oxidation with a surrounding jet of inert shielding gas, fused by a central laser piped through a central bore in the head is now the state of the art technology. Trumpf makes one such device, as shown in the video below.

NASA recently used a technique called selective metal melting (SLM) with great success to build rocket motor components out of steel. NASA’s engineers have been able to produce parts with complex geometry only previously imagined, and with dimensional accuracy beyond that possible with traditional fabrication methods.

 

[Mr. H.]

Can it print river relics from the central US?

 

[ScienceRocks]

Hearing aids printed by the dozen

by Cameron Naramore on January 9, 2013 ·

Medicine and health services have advanced greatly over the last century; the human anatomy is understood beyond Humorism and our DNA has been decoded. In just the last decade though 3D printing has further enabled the progress and availability of health services. Indeed, medical solutions are being prototyped with 3D printing at a faster pace than ever before with any other technology. Some medical devices are printed beyond prototyping however, into the final product stages, like artificial hips; hearing aids are another example, as a large majority of ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids are now 3D printed.

Widex is a Danish company that’s been making hearing aids since the 50s, back when they were powered by battery packs strapped to the chest. Electronics have shrunk drastically since then and batteries pack more power in much smaller too sizes, so the whole device can easily hide in the ear now. But every ear is different, so every hearing aid must be custom made. Here’s a How It’s Made on hearing aids from 2006.

So a mold is taken of the ear, a “positive” imprint mold is made off of that, and then the imprint is used to mold the actual hearing aid, with much cutting, filing, and sanding required afterward. With CAMISHA (Computer Aided Manufacturing for Individual Shells for Hearing Aids), in 2013, hearing aid creation starts with the same ear mold, but then that goes into a 3D scanner and the digital file is used to print the shell, cutting out half of the steps and most of the time, as those steps were slow, manual labor. In 2006, manually casting a single hearing aid took two days; now dozens can be printed by one machine in a few hours at substantially lower costs.

Hearing aids printed by the dozen | 3D Printer