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Geek Tool: Slashdot Video of Award Winning 3D Printer From CES

Posted by Roblimo on from the 3D-isn't-as-good-as-4D dept.

The Makerbot Replicator is a personal 3D printer, which can create three-dimensional objects through connecting and layering successive cross sections of material. The new version is bigger, better, and easier to set up than earlier MakerBots. In this video Tim made at CES, MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis shows us how wonderful a device it is, and tells us why every child (and most adults) should have a MakerBot.

6 of 137 comments (clear)

  1. Non biodegradable? by jythie · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I wonder if it can also support non-biodegradable materials too. Biodegradable is not always a good thing for durable/non-disposable things.

    1. Re:Non biodegradable? by jythie · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Seems kinda limiting. When I look at these machines I see the potential to make all sorts of stuff that normally I would have to contract out to a machine shop (which for 1 or 2 of an item is not very cost effective)... but if the thing is going to start breaking down after a few months or years that kinda limits applications.

    2. Re:Non biodegradable? by El+Torico · · Score: 4, Interesting

      There are other devices that use ceramics, metals, or plastics. There are about 30 companies that make some form of additive manufacturing device using different processes like Selective Laser Sintering, Fused Deposition Modeling, and 3D Printing. This is a new industrial revolution that's just getting started. With these devices you can make small production runs cost effective and efficient. Also, these processes produce far less waste, so they use less material and energy.

      As for consumer goods, I haven't seen clothing, but there are a lot of interesting items being designed for everyday use on Shapeways.

      I've been following Additive Manufacturing since I read the article "Print me a Stradivarius" in the Economist. I expect this to be as significant as the Internet.

      --
      In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is usually crucified.
    3. Re:Non biodegradable? by Niko. · · Score: 5, Interesting

      i know a couple of people who use 3d printers. when they want to make parts that need to be stronger than the PLA/ABS raw material, they "simply" print the model, use it to make a mold and cast the mold with bronze or copper or what have you.
      it stops being an all-in-one solution but still allows detailed custom shapes with good strength and appearance.

  2. Re:But wait. by DrXym · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Imagine what damage this will do to the industry

    Very little at the moment. Makerbot produced parts look like glorified plastic coil pots, are only available in a handful of materials & colours and are not suitable for applications where they may be put under stress. They're fine for the odd job, e.g. you break some widget and have the time & patience to produce a replacement. It's certainly not going be much use for "pirate" toys or any other goods. Probably cost more to produce the copy than it would the original.

    I would see sites like Shapeways posing a larger issue where the quality, finish and range of materials is larger. Some of the stuff on that site could spell danger for traditional manufacturers of stuff like smart phone accessories, jewellry, decorations and so forth where someone could go in and produce a copy which they sell themselves on commission.

  3. Re:I'm glad I could disable ads by dbc · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Yes, exactly. Even the ancient s/w I am running on my Makerbot Cupcake calculates the cc's of material that will be consumed by a print.

    This looks pretty cool, but I see the build envelope is 225mm x 150mm x 150mm ..... I really want 300mm x 150mm..... oh well......

    These are outstandingly good humor -- my daughter draws up toys and doll house furniture and stuff in SolidWorks and prints them. I do robot parts. Great fun.