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New Open Source 3D Printer Can Print Without Human Intervention (autodrop3d.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the rise-of-the-machines dept.

Slashdot reader mmiscool shares some videos about "the next step in 3D printing": Autodrop3d is an open source system that solves the problem of needing a human to remove a 3D print from its print bed. Implemented as an open source hardware and software system, it allows for web based, multi-user print queue, automatic notifications, and web-based CAD design tools to all be integrated in one open source system. There's a video that shows the hardware in operation and a link to the web site with a Git repository for the software and hardware components.
Autodrop3D is now raising money on Kickstarter, promising to show their support for open source innovation by "releasing all of our documentation, design files, and software prior to the end of this Kickstarter campaign."

And for $75 pledges, "we will 3D print an object of your choice and mail it to you.... You will also receive our heartfelt thanks."

4 of 49 comments (clear)

  1. Old news by Waffle+Iron · · Score: 2

    I think I used this technology almost 50 years ago, at the zoo. I got a plastic elephant fabricated on demand with no human help.

  2. As someone that 3D prints a lot... by burhop · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Good idea? Sure. I hope they are successful. However, this only addresses one of many problems in automated printing.

    Slashdot worthy? No. Props to whomever got this kickstarter posted here. I'll watch your marketing career with great interest.

  3. Ok, why? by Opportunist · · Score: 2

    I admit I'm certainly not the person using his 3D-printer very heavily, but is there really a market for that? Personally, I am kinda wary to leave the 3D printer alone while it's working anyway.

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  4. Re:3D printers should be heavily regulated by thewolfkin · · Score: 2

    the problem is it's too hard to program a simple 3d printer to know what a bump stock or gun part is and it's too trivial to modify a design if it's been blacklisted. Money has a hard design that's accepted. Everyone trying to make money is going for the literal same design. anything close triggers your printer (and i hope not because that's annoying) but it's easy enough to solve. You can't do that with a gun part.

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