3d printers

I just read that they reckon a 3d printer can produce a full-sized house including plumbing and wiring, 25,00sq.ft. in less than 24 hours. Do you think the Housing Minister knows this?
What would you print?

Re: 3d printers

I would like it to print me a little cottage in Killarney, with a couple of horses and a henhouse at the back, when that's finished, say after two days I would fancy a few drinks, would I be greedy if I asked for a little country pub next to the cottage, complete with fiddle player and busty barmaid?

Re: 3d printers

I would also like a fairly isolated cottage where I could relax totally without anyone to bother me. Where I could have a few cats that were safe to roam. Where I could play the guitar outside with the sun on me on an evening without anyone bar me listening. Bliss.

How much are these printers anyways? I better start saving.

Re: 3d printers

Don't get too excited..they only print A4 size!

Re: 3d printers

That's Ok; just print the house one brick at a time. They cost under $2000 in Australia (so they should be much less than £1000 in the UK) for one that prints 140mm by 140mm by 135mm or 2.6litre volume - Look here

Re: 3d printers

Interesting that Bruce. Ever since I'd heard of them I wondered how they worked -- now I know.

Re: 3d printers

Fascinating bit of kit though looks a bit fiddly to setup to say the least. Stuff it makes must be strongly built though as a guy has made a firearm with one. The forces involved in firing a pistol must be considerable.

Re: 3d printers

The nice thing is they can print artificial limbs, replace bones etc. they make a mirror image of the good side of a person's body to match it up.

Re: 3d printers

That was an issue raised here a while ago and there are plans available from America (of course) but immediately after it was raised some 'experts' said that was a long way away yet.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-25/expert-hoses-down-fears-of-3d-gun-surge/4712886

Re: 3d printers

By a 'long way away' I think he meant to be able to do it in one go:

By the looks of it you could still make one bit by bit.

Point I was making though the stuff that is made with these printers must be quite strong - very strong in fact.