Researchers at a US university have developed a relatively cheap 3D printer that can fabricate bespoke metal tools and components.
The new low-cost 3D printer has been created by a Michigan Technological University team led by Joshua Pearce, an associate professor of materials science and engineering/electrical and computer engineering. The printers can be created using materials that cost less than $1,500. Using just a small commercial welder and an open-source microcontroller, Pearce’s team built a 3D metal printer than can lay down thin layers of steel to form intricate geometric objects.
The researchers have released detailed open source plans, software and firmware for the device so that anyone can create the printers and use them to manufacture their own metal 3D components.
However, Pearce cautioned that the new printer is a "work in progress", and has only been used to "print" a metal sprocket so far.
"Similar to the incredible churn in innovation witnessed with open-sourcing of the first RepRap plastic 3D printers, I anticipate rapid progress when the maker community gets their hands on it," said Pearce.
"Within a month, somebody will make one that’s better than ours, I guarantee it."
Pearce noted that commercial metal printers are available today, but they cost over half a million dollars.
Pearce said. “I really don’t know if we are mature enough to handle it,” he added cautiously, “but I think that with open-source approach, we are within reach of a Star Trek-like, post-scarcity society, in which ‘replicators’ can create a vast array of objects on demand, resulting in wealth for everyone at very little cost. Pretty soon, we’ll be able to make almost anything.”
Andoid Games
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