Desktop Factory 3D printer brings us a step closer to a Star Trek replicator

[Angel Tarragon]

The first affordable Desktop Factory 3D printer is just about to ship, paving the way for even more sophisticated manufacturing in the future. This first home 3D printer will cost between $5,000 and $7,000 and will be roughly the size of early laser printers. Starting out with powdered plastic, it layers the plastic material so precisely that it exactly conforms to the software 3D model that serves as its guide.

Similar 3D printers used for quick design protyping have been available for around ten years, but the $15,000 devices have been prohibitively expensive, owned only by major corporations and researchers. However, more-accessible Desktop Factory technology is just the beginning of 3D printing, where scientists foresee even more complex products being manufactured as the printers get exponentially more sophisticated.

Could this be another example of Star Trek tech becoming a reality? This home 3D printer brings us closer to the day when we'll have replicators like those on Star Trek: The Next Generation, making entire meals at the touch of a button and creating complex objects from simple materials. In the meantime, soon you'll be able to download spare parts for toys and build them in a few minutes, or even prototype your own designs, right in your home.

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[paradox42]

I had read at some point several months back that one scientist, I think in the UK, was trying to design a 3-D printer that could be built using the very raw materials used to feed its own prototyping mill. That is, you could use one such machine to build another, which is only one step away from self-replication.

This does not appear to be that, but it'll be interesting to watch nevertheless!

 

[Ferret]

Wow that does look cool!

 

[Ferret]

Bums!

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

There was a story in a recent F&SF Magazine detailing a device like this, but that used a nigh-indestructible, non-porous black resin to make things. Great story.

I predict this will be the next big thing in customized minis!




What?

 

[jaerdaph]

I predict this will be the next big thing in customized minis!

What?

Ultimately, all advances in computer science and technology happen so we can either enhance our D&D experience or acquisition of pr0n.

 

[punkorange]

Not only customized miniatures, but if I had this, I would have an enormous collection of 3d battle-grid tiles. Something that looked like dwarven forge or hirst arts stuff when painted.

 

[D.Shaffer]

The problem with minis is you require a computer model to make these. Most minis are going to be way to complex for the casual guy. Heck, I think it'll be way to complex for most sculpters as a lot of the detail you see if often just the skin.

Now, if we had a SCANNER for the thing...

 

[punkorange]

You could, in theory, print of all of the character models from something like NWN.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

The problem with minis is you require a computer model to make these. Most minis are going to be way to complex for the casual guy. Heck, I think it'll be way to complex for most sculpters as a lot of the detail you see if often just the skin.

Now, if we had a SCANNER for the thing...

I was just thinking about that yesterday. If we have the tech to build a 3D printer, a 3D scanner can't be too far off.