3D Printing

I have seen this amazing printer that prints objects in plastic at CeBIT Australia 2012.

This printer was producing rabbits, chains, lace, knobs, sample bearings, containers and marketing material has just become so simple anyone could do it.

The roll on the left hold the plastic feeding it as a tube to the hot printing jet. The jet melts the plastic drop by drop onto the device you are creating.Once the first layer is completed, the platform lowers and the next layer is printed. The print head uses heat to melt the plastic filament (pipe) being fed into the machine building the item in front of your eyes.

This UP Plus 3 D Printer prints objects made from two different types of plastic.

You can manufacture directly from your home using any suitable CAD software. (Computer Aided Drafting and Design). At a cost of $1,619 AUD for the printer this allows you to manufacture plastic products without breaking the bank.

The picture beside shows two tablet holders. These screw together containers self-lock with a twisting motion.

Two different types of plastic spools.

700g spool of 1.75mm tough ABS filament plastic formulated with a very low odour. (1 roll included)
700g Spool of 1.75mm Polylactide (PLA) corn starch ideal for lost wax / investment casting. (not included)

Plastic Wrench (Left)

Printed Plastic Mesh(Right)

Print head laying a plastic ball bearing

Kelvin inspecting the range of printed items