reprap

[rtil]

http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

the new prototype of this 3D printer can print in plastics and silicons, which means it can (and has) replicated itself, and the replicants are also creating more replicants. i don't know about you but i want one of these things, and i also think we'll all probably have one some day. just watch the video and think about the potential behind the device

[MarcK]

is this the programmable matter thing i heard of a few years ago? yeah this sounds really awesome.
edit: no this is different but its still really awesome.

[TheREALSe7enOfBrokenCyde]

this is pretty cool but brokencyde PWNS

[Capsize]

I've seen some 3D printing companies with printers for just about $99, but obviously the quality isn't as good as some of the better brands. Plus I think they can only print in one kind of material.

The animation company Laika uses Objet 3D printers for their stop motion productions.
It's pretty amazing Link

[Shaughtzer]

The only potential problem with hardware like this is that you can't have a lot of complexity due to the fact that it has to stack layers one at a time. These people seem to have found a work around by combining two different prints together, but it still seems a bit limited in its current state.

Still a very impressive piece of technology though.

[Fuzz]

"Computers taking over the world!" is the first thing that comes to mind...

[Mew_User]

this is pretty cool but brokencyde PWNS

[billy]

i made one and it's ok

[shura]

this looks ingenious

[spite]

I gonna make so many coat hangers

[Gregly]

Oh i didn't realize that 3d printer built things up, I thought that you put something solid in there and it would eat it away.

[Phoenix In Flames]

"Computers taking over the world!" is the first thing that comes to mind...

Ha Ha...


I seen thease dudes on YouTube printing CIRCUIT BOARDS!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urv6jArKp6M

[ZekeySpaceyLizard]

I'm not sure what its doing exactly and feel dumb
so it like



makes plastic things without molds?

[Gregly]

I'm not sure what its doing exactly and feel dumb
so it like



makes plastic things without molds?

It places little bits and builds them up from nothing.
PERHAPS

[Capsize]

I'm not sure what its doing exactly and feel dumb
so it like



makes plastic things without molds?

It places little bits and builds them up from nothing.
PERHAPS

It builds things up layer by layer

but you have to wash off some of the extra stuff or something
at least it's like that for most of them.

[rtil]

the new ones do more than just plastic, which is why it can now replicate itself

[Kött]

This is kinda ridiculous... about 50 years ago most people didn't even know what a computer was and now it's replacing handcrafting...
I learned how to work with tools and how to craft my own things and I would hate the thought to let a machine do that for me.
Sure, I would buy most of these things anyway as actual products usually are cheaper than the materials nowadays and plastic isn't something you could craft with anyway but this example just shows that man is getting more and more dependent on computers and technology and new generations will keep learning less and less traditional working methods and techniques.

Ok, it may be quite practical concerning certain things but I'm pretty sure even in this case the materials will be more expensive that any finished product that you can buy in every hardware store. Maybe something interesting for artists but I don't thing  these things actually are developed enough yet to actually create something as specified as many people would think of when watching this video...