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Open-Source 3D Printer Lets Users Make Anything

Posted by Zonk on from the printer-for-the-people dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Picture a 3D inkjet printer that deposits droplets of plastic, layer by layer, gradually building up an object of any shape. Fabbers have been around for two decades, but they've always been the pricey playthings of high-tech labs — and could only use a single material. A Fab at Home kit costs around $2400 and allows users to print anything from Hors d'Oeuvres to flashlights."

59 of 242 comments (clear)

  1. More Discussion by eldavojohn · · Score: 4, Informative

    You probably remember discussing this almost a year ago. Enjoy more on this at that coverage of the same story.

    --
    My work here is dung.
    1. Re:More Discussion by The_Mystic_For_Real · · Score: 3, Funny

      The editors must have bought one of these for stories.

      --

      _____

      Thank you.

    2. Re:More Discussion by TheBrutalTruth · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Thank you - this is indeed old news. However I love the extra exposure for the Fab@Home project - it's awesome. Also check out RepRap - http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/WebHome

      --
      Enlightenment is a pipe dream. So where's the pipe?
  2. Obvious use by LightwaveNet · · Score: 4, Funny

    Figured I'd save people from typing the search in...
    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=penis+3d+model&btnG=Google+Search

  3. I'm not convinced... by Maltheus · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...until it can print another 3D printer.

    1. Re:I'm not convinced... by ZeroExistenZ · · Score: 4, Funny

      I think they'll have some recursion protection inthere, to avoid the collapse of the universe.

      --
      I think we can keep recursing like this until someone returns 1
    2. Re:I'm not convinced... by lastchance_000 · · Score: 2

      I'll get one when it can print "Tea, Earl Gray, hot."

    3. Re:I'm not convinced... by Ed+Avis · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'll get one when it can print something almost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea.

      --
      -- Ed Avis ed@membled.com
    4. Re:I'm not convinced... by davidsyes · · Score: 2, Interesting

      See this:

      3D printer to churn out copies of itself

      http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7165

      --
      Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
    5. Re:I'm not convinced... by PybusJ · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Then you ought to check out the RepRap project see:

      http://reprap.org/

      An open design from a project at the University of Bath. It has OSS control software and is specifically designed to be self replicating, using only 400 of materials.

    6. Re:I'm not convinced... by monopole · · Score: 4, Informative

      Erm, Rep Rap
      I know, it won't fab everything but the few remaining bits are easy to get.

    7. Re:I'm not convinced... by Trogre · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The RepRap project aims to do just that.

      This is a truly worthwhile undertaking with remarkable possibilities - I wish more people would get behind it.

      --
      "Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
    8. Re:I'm not convinced... by ConceptJunkie · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yes, but not without the hostess herself taking a step to the left.

      --
      You are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike.
    9. Re:I'm not convinced... by ricree · · Score: 2, Interesting

      And at least according to the reprap website, the additional parts should only run about $500 or so dollars. They seem to have the instructions for a completed first version up on their website. I'd say that it's definitely worth checking out. http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/RepRapOneDarwin

    10. Re:I'm not convinced... by CarpetShark · · Score: 2, Informative

      Actually, they're not. Yes, I tried. I used the new shop which is supposed to provide an even easier way to get components. Package arrived, and I realised later there were LOTS of parts missing, although I ordered everything I obviously needed on first read. Seeing the ACTUAL list of parts was a shock. It goes on forever. I gave up. RepRap is a LONG way from being usable by the average joe, and the RepRap team will probably tell you as much.

  4. Alas, slashdotted by Mad+Bad+Rabbit · · Score: 4, Funny

    Apparently it won't let them print more servers

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    >;k
  5. Gives new meaning to by davidsyes · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "This printer prints like... SHIT."

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
  6. Any shape? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Can it make a spider-shaped object? Specifically, one in which all of the feet touch the ground, but the torso and head of the spider are above the feet (suspended by the legs), and the knees of the legs are above the torso and head of the spider?

    You can't make that layer-by-layer in a single pass. You have to make the feet first, go all the way up to the knees, and then back down to the body.

    Can it do that?

    1. Re:Any shape? by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 5, Informative

      You solve a problem like this by laying down sand or another substance to act as the free space and support the structure.
      After building you remove the sand and your 3d model emerges.

      --
      liqbase :: faster than paper
    2. Re:Any shape? by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yes, but what about hollow objects, like an egg? Will the inside contain the "filler" sand?

    3. Re:Any shape? by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 2, Informative

      Yes, but what about hollow objects, like an egg?

      Squeeze bulb?

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
    4. Re:Any shape? by mikael · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Yes, it can. And object inside objects too. These system typically work by having a container of liquid combined with a base that slowly moves down. A laser traced out the intersection of the object with an imaginary horizontal plane. This causes a chemical reaction that converts the liquid into solid. This layer will bind to the layer immediately below. So as the base moves slowly down, the intersecting plane moves up along the height of object.

      I've seen the results of these systems. They could model everything from differential gear systems to gearboxes and implicit surfaces.

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
    5. Re:Any shape? by jank1887 · · Score: 3, Informative

      commercial software with 'support material' will look at overhanging structures. If the vertical angle is larger than a set value (maybe 45degrees) it will build a support structure under it as it builds. If the angle is less than that (as in the aforementioned squeeze bulb) it will be considered a 'self supporting angle. Enough of the upper layer bead will be on top of the lower layer bead to prevent it from toppling. This usually takes a bit of intuition, however, because simple rules like this will let you build the leaning tower of Pisa at too steep an angle for it not to fall over. (shifting the center of mass outside the footprint)

    6. Re:Any shape? by failedlogic · · Score: 2, Funny

      This question is *not* helpful. Not only does it not help answer the riddle: "Which came first the chicken or the egg?", but now if one chooses 'egg' you have to now answer "Which came first the egg or the sand?".

      Thanks a bunch pal! I'll remember you next time I try to print an egg. ;)

    7. Re:Any shape? by jank1887 · · Score: 2, Informative

      Anything with a laser is much more expensive (with fewer material options) than what's being discussed here. You are referring to a Stereolithographic process, primarily commercialized by 3D Systems, Inc.. This group uses more of a heated extrusion, similar to the Fused Deposition Molding process used by Stratasys, Inc. Even the liquid resins, though, have limits to degree of overhang permitted before the cured material will sag or fall in.

    8. Re:Any shape? by ShieldW0lf · · Score: 2, Informative

      Early 3d fabs for medical use used this method. They would, for example, recreate a broken skull from x-rays and let the doctor practice putting his hands in it before surgery.

      I've been thinking of sinking the money into getting parts for a Rep-Rap. These look nice though.

      --
      -1 Uncomfortable Truth
    9. Re:Any shape? by tiny-e · · Score: 2

      Why not just "print" it upside-down, laying on it's back?

  7. in other news... by plasmacutter · · Score: 3, Insightful

    the plastic storage container manufacturers of america have sent out their subpoena's against the first batch of kids "stealing" their products.

    --
    VLC FOR MAC IS DYING! IF YOU DEVELOP, PLEASE SAVE IT!!
    1. Re:in other news... by CarpetShark · · Score: 2, Insightful

      For anyone who thinks that's a joke... just wait. These things are going to change the world once they become usable. Instead of waiting for amazon to ship stuff, you'll be buying patterns and printing them out. Many more people will probably be downloading patterns for all sorts of patented stuff, from the likes of piratebay. You think the recording industry has issues? Wait 'till the car parts industry, the wooly sweater industry, and yes, the kids toy industry all get on board. We already know Disney doesn't like losing profits.

  8. Throw some Chinese out of work for a change! by tjstork · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Could make toys on demand!

    --
    This is my sig.
    1. Re:Throw some Chinese out of work for a change! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny
      "Throw some Chinese out of work for a change!"


      Only if it puts lead in everything it prints.

  9. material by deander2 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    very neat, but it seems like they're hampered by materials. (silicone adhesive is the most permanent of what i've seen with these types of machines) does anyone have any recommendations for more permanent but still liquidish-at-deposition options? plaster of paris? ultra-fine concrete?

    --
    http://kered.org
    1. Re:material by plasmacutter · · Score: 2, Insightful

      two part epoxy resin.

      it's suitably viscous, dries rather quickly, and its stiff flexibility makes it virtually indestructible.

      Do remember to have the nozzels flushed with something more easily removed, like hot glue, after each pass.

      --
      VLC FOR MAC IS DYING! IF YOU DEVELOP, PLEASE SAVE IT!!
    2. Re:material by Registered+Coward+v2 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I saw one for military use that liquefied metal and deposited it in fine drops to build up a final piece. It was intended to build replacement parts in theatre so they didn't have to be shipped. The machine size was about that of a washing machine, and the company claimed it parts were as good as a machined original. You had to machine the final piece to get a usable say disk brake rotor but still very impressive.

      --
      I'm a consultant - I convert gibberish into cash-flow.
    3. Re:material by Trogre · · Score: 2, Informative

      The RepRap project, while currently using Polycaprolactone, aims to eventually move over to polylactic acid from corn starch or sugar cane.

      --
      "Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
  10. It could be very useful by paladinwannabe2 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I've always thought something like this could be awesome for all sorts of geeky pastimes. Need an army for Warhammer 40k? Need a horde of orcs for D&D? Missing a piece to your favorite board game? You can print out an army, toss them back, then print out a new one the next day.

    --
    You are reading a copy of my copyrighted post.
    1. Re:It could be very useful by Trogre · · Score: 2, Insightful

      A 3D printer that lets you manufacture damn near anything you want, and you're talking D&D figurines?

      I don't want to be unkind and ask if you get out much, but surely we can think of better used for this.

      --
      "Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
    2. Re:It could be very useful by Belial6 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      That's because Magic the Gathering is a game designed to test the financial fortitude of its players, where as D&D is a game about swords and sorcery.

  11. Manufacturing is a solved problem by mi · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This is just an illustration, that manufacturing is a solved problem. Design, research, and development is where the minds and ideas are or should be going.

    The growing emphasys on the Intellectual Property — the kind, that can be stolen by simple copying (thus leaving the original owner, seemingly, unhurt) — is another illustration of the same trend, like it or not.

    --
    In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
    1. Re:Manufacturing is a solved problem by PieSquared · · Score: 4, Informative

      No it isn't. We still have one really major step to take (that we can see from here/now). Molecular level construction. I don't mean nano-tolerance specs for things this could print, but by building things at the molecular level you finally get the ability to do self-replication. Right now the problem is that you need a scale - if you have a stick you use to measure things by, you add to the error of *every* measurement with each generation... which prevents self-replication. If you use a molecule (or some universal constant) as your stick, though, you lose this problem... stack a certain number of molecules into a stick of a useful size, or use the speed of light (in some medium) to measure distance for your "unit length" as part of the replication process and you'll have the same error in every generation. We already do this for manual manufacture... just, because we don't try to make self-replicating fabricators, we only have to measure (using the standard of the speed of light in a vacuum) once every few years to replace the "standard" used in manufacturing rulers.

      Molecular level construction could also be useful for, obviously, building really small things. Or for building really big things semi-automatically.

      Once you can spec the atomic placement in manufacture.... *then* there will be no need for brains in manufacturing. That we can understand today. Who knows, maybe there is something useful beyond that level that we just don't understand yet. But for now this is the one major step left in the ability to manufacture things.

      --
      Does a line appended to your comment give your post meaning in and of itself, or only in relation to those without?
    2. Re:Manufacturing is a solved problem by 644bd346996 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      This is a rapid prototyping machine. It enables R&D. It isn't meant for mass-production.

    3. Re:Manufacturing is a solved problem by MrSteveSD · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Right now the problem is that you need a scale - if you have a stick you use to measure things by, you add to the error of *every* measurement with each generation... which prevents self-replication.

      It's not just that. Because we can't yet build at the molecular level, we have created all sorts of diverse and complex ways of achieving what we want using bulk processes. The diversity of these means that we need hundreds of huge factories to make all the components for a typical piece of gadgetry. So for example, if a hand-held video camera breaks on a future base on Mars, there is no way they can make another one without thousands of square miles of factories and thousands of workers to produce the components they need. With molecular level manufacturing, you eliminate the necessity of needing a huge set of factories.

      With a molecular manufacturing machine, building something would be a case of having the required data file. I should imagine that there would be a vibrant open-source community designing all sorts of weird and wonderful things which you could download and "print". The potential of such a technology is enormous. There will be all sorts of issues to consider though. How do you prevent people from "printing" hand grenades and machine guns or Sarin?

      If you are interested in this sort of thing, you should read "Engines of Creation" by Eric Drexler which is a non fiction book that explores these ideas. Drexler is the guy who coined the term "Nanotechnology" back in the 80s. You can read it all online here.
  12. Re:Can I make a 3D fake pussy? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can I make a 3D fake pussy? and fuck it all night long
    I could think of more... constructive things to do with it, but each to his/her own.
    You can think of more constructive things to do with a fake pussy than fucking it all night long? Like what, you sick bastard?!!
  13. Horses' Douvres? by turgid · · Score: 2, Funny

    Horses can keep their darned douvres in the field where they belong. I ain't going near them without wellington boots. Now don't get me started on cows...

    --
    Stick Men
  14. Re:Replicate some more web servers! by trolltalk.com · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Slashdotted!"

    No, they're just busy printing up another web server.

    --
    Kevin Smith on Prince
  15. RepRap Is Even Cheaper by Dean+Edmonds · · Score: 3, Informative

    A RepRap machine costs less than $500 in parts, though it does require a lot more assembly work.

    --

    -deane

  16. Re:That's pretty cool... by PayPaI · · Score: 3, Funny

    With wording like that you'd think they were making another Segway.

  17. Re:For some strange reason... by trolltalk.com · · Score: 2, Funny

    "... for a second, I could have sworn I read 'flashlight' in the summary as 'fleshlight'"

    You need to print yourself up some new glasses.

    --
    Kevin Smith on Prince
  18. I tried to make a Gargleblaster by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 2, Funny

    But all I got was a wooden goblet filled with a hard resin-like substance not like tea.

    --
    -- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
  19. Re:New Organs by nuzak · · Score: 5, Funny

    > Im printing me a new liver :)

    We recommend having it professionally installed.

    --
    Done with slashdot, done with nerds, getting a life.
  20. Oblig. by SeaFox · · Score: 2

    I, for one, welcome our self-replicating overlords!

  21. Obvious Use -- Make Fingerprints by Temeraire · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Yet another reason why biometric ID cards are nonsense!

    Read a person's fingerprints etc, ideally remotely from an RFID passport, but more likely by hacking an official reader. Then 3D fabricate copies. No need to hack off their fingers now.

    1. Re:Obvious Use -- Make Fingerprints by griffjon · · Score: 3, Funny

      No need to hack off their fingers now.

      Well, THAT takes the joy out of ID theft, now, doesn't it?

      --
      Returned Peace Corps IT Volunteer
  22. Re:who cares by bwcbwc · · Score: 2, Insightful

    the sticker shock of $2400 it just drives home the point that the technology isn't ready for prime-time

    Back in the day, HP sold scads of laser printers to small businesses in this price range. $2400 isn't in your average hobbyist's pocket book, but it's low enough to open up a "We Make It" store-front in your local strip mall. Of course, there's no guarantee how long such businesses will last. If the price on these things drops into the $1200 range or lower, anyone who really needs the fab service would probably buy their own. That's probably a closer future than nano-tech vats converting garbage to gold.

    --
    We are the 198 proof..
  23. Re:For around the same budget... by skelly33 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You could not possibly be putting this machine in the same league as "decent machining equipment" in the 25-500K range, could you?

    For the same budget there are plenty of desktop options for CNC type machines that could be considered to be in the same small form-factor, rapid prototyping league, but with better flexibility and that work with real materials. 5 seconds of effort on a search engine will turn up matches.

    Here's something simple that I found selling on ebay for less than $500 right now. Surely there are more options, but I'm not going to do everyone's homework for them. Don't get lost in the details: as neat as inkjet printed objects are conceptually - I'm sure it will have its place in the world - as someone who actually does enjoy prototyping and designing mechanical gadgets, I prefer traditional approaches to fabrication that are equally within grasp.

  24. Re:who cares by Nefarious+Wheel · · Score: 2, Interesting
    Actually there is large scale industrial adoption of this technology already for prototyping, in engineering shops and major manufactured goods factories today, especially in the auto industry.

    PTC / Windchill manufacturing http://www.ptc.com/ business process software includes pathing for fabbed model creation, for example, and accepts quite a number of 3D drawing file formats incorporated in the workflow. One of the guys we just hired on at our SI comes from mfg background and clued me. It's considered a must-have in a number of different mfg software packages now.

    --
    Do not mock my vision of impractical footwear
  25. Wanna be a billionaire? by Colin+Smith · · Score: 2, Insightful

    The results are far too crude for any serious use. So, build a better one. Where do you think the whole computing sector came from?

    The first personal computers...
    http://www.blinkenlights.com/pc.shtml

    They all started looking like this thing. Someone will develop a better media, multiple colours, multiple media, a more accurate nozzle, finer motor control, better software etc etc. They might well turn out to be the next Hewlett or Packard.
    --
    Deleted
  26. Not ready for prime time by seven+of+five · · Score: 2, Informative

    I was pretty excited by this as earlier reported, but looking into it for a while, realized that you can't do precision fabbing with one of these el cheapo machines, not yet. The blobs/droplets are too big and the stepper motors spec'd at this price don't have the accuracy either. This will improve with time but 'not yet'.

  27. Re:who cares by nacturation · · Score: 2, Funny

    Of course, there's no guarantee how long such businesses will last. If the price on these things drops into the $1200 range or lower, anyone who really needs the fab service would probably buy their own. Shh... don't tell Kinko's that people can print their own stuff for less.
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