MIT builds a 3D printer that can use 10 materials at once

Computerworld ^ | August 25, 2015 | Lucas Mearian

[2ndDivisionVet]

Researchers were able to build the printer with off-the-shelf commodity parts for $7K.

MIT researchers, using off-the-shelf components, have built a 3D printer capable of building with 10 photopolymer materials at once.

And the school's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) said the researchers were able to build the printer for less than $7,000. That compares to systems that print with just three materials at one time and can cost $250,000.

The MultiFab 3D printer works by mixing together microscopic droplets of photopolymers that are then extruded through inkjet printheads similar to those in office printers.

The printing process is computationally intensive and requires processing many gigabytes of visual data required to combine the various polymers, the researchers said.

The MultiFab 3D printer has so far only used ultraviolet-curable photopolymers -- meaning they're hardened by an LED lighting system.

"Additional materials such as co-polymers, hydrogels, and solvent-based materials can be adapted to be used within our platform," the researchers said in a paper on the printer....

[BigEdLB]

I heard about them using this 3D technology for prosthetics for the military folks who lost limbs on Iraq and Afghanistan

[Reverend Saltine]

star trek Replicator

[Macoozie]

Now, if they could just figure out how to get some range-fed beef, cheddar cheese and Arthur Avenue bread coming out of those inkjets, a 3D printer cranking out cheeseburgers would be a game changer!

[Kirkwood]

BFL