I first saw it in 1997 or so. It was called rapid prototyping then and Wheeling Jesuit University had it. A polymer material could be built up in layers to resemble a CAD-designed product.
Now, it's called 3D printing and materials of all sorts can be used. The use of metal, for example, means low rate production of components can be accomplished using these "printers."
Yes, production.
See The Economist for an article with a look at how this could change manufacturing, and soon.
Here's a YouTube video too.
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ReplyDeleteMakerbot.com sells replicators for about $1800. A little pricey for me. I can see the day when I can download a file and replicate a broken part from around the house. That would save a trip all over town to buy the part.
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