Daily Bits

3D printing

The Solar Sinter Project Makes Glass in the Desert

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Solar Sinter Project
Solar Sinter Project

3D printing is just getting started, and it looks like we’re going to see more and more amazing applications, thanks to the brilliant minds who have become fascinated with the technology. From chocolate 3D printing to printing out meat – the possibilities really are endless!

And then there is the Solar Sinter Project, which harnesses the power of the sun AND sand to 3D print objects. How cool – or hot – is that?
[Read more…] about The Solar Sinter Project Makes Glass in the Desert

3D-printed Meat Might Help Solve World Hunger

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3d-printed meat
World hunger is a very real and pressing issue, although sometimes, it is difficult to understand why. Even in developing countries where there are pockets of starvation in the populace, you will also see excesses when it comes to food. For sure, there is a complex web of underlying reasons for this problem, but no matter what your stand may be in this issue, there is no doubt that there are hungry people all around the world. And what better application for technology than to find ways to feed everyone?

How about some 3D-printed meat?
[Read more…] about 3D-printed Meat Might Help Solve World Hunger

Forget 4D Ultrasound! How About a 3D-Printed Fetus Instead?

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3d printing
3D-printed fetus

Okay, I have to admit that I have been all over 3D printing since I heard about it. I have thought of and read about so many applications it could be used for. But for the life of me, it never occurred to me that this technology can be used to replace those high-tech ultrasound thingies done by expecting mothers.

Yeah, forget about 4D ultrasound. Why do that when you can get a 3D-printed fetus? [Read more…] about Forget 4D Ultrasound! How About a 3D-Printed Fetus Instead?

Pretty Soon, You Can 3D Print Your Own Guitar

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3d printed guitar
Spider Guitar - 3D Printed
Are you one of those who get mesmerized by an awesome-looking guitar in the hands of a talented musician? I sure am, and I cannot count the times that I have (almost) drooled over a really good guitar. Not that I can really play well, but a beautiful guitar (that sounds good as well) is something that I always appreciate.

If you are the same way, then you will like the idea of the Spider Guitar, which is a 3D printed guitar. The idea is “owned” by Olaf Diegel, a mechatronics professor at Massey University. What a mechatronics professor does exactly – don’t ask me! ((Wikipedia on mechatronics))

Diegel used to only dream about his 3D printed guitars, but thanks to the development of 3D printers – and the fact that his school is fortunate enough to have several desktop 3D printers – the professor was able to create real guitars, albeit rather small. The limitation, obviously, is the size of the printers. However, Diegel is already looking forward to the possibility of the school having a large-scale printer before the year ends. [Read more…] about Pretty Soon, You Can 3D Print Your Own Guitar

3D Print Your Own Pills

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3D Print Pills
Pills

Hold your horses! It is not possible to have your own drugstore at home just yet, but the likelihood of being able to print your own pills is high. You can thank Professor Lee Cronin, who is the Gardiner Chair of Chemistry at the University for this.

He has conducted research into the possibility of using a 3D printer to make reactionware. This refers to containers made of a polymer gel. Chemicals are then added to the reactionware, which can then result in various applications – including medication. [Read more…] about 3D Print Your Own Pills

iModela 3D Printer Carves Out a Niche

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iModela 3D Printer
iModela 3D Printer

3D printers have come a long way, although they cannot be called mainstream yet. There are more of these printers in the market, though, and more services offering 3D printing. What is common about most 3D printers is that they build the items using some sort of material. Basically, the material of choice is used to build items layer by layer until the design is complete.

There is a newcomer in the 3D printing scene that gives a different perspective of how 3D printing is done. It’s called iModela. [Read more…] about iModela 3D Printer Carves Out a Niche