Amazing 3D Printer in Action-makes a wrench: (truly the future will change fast)

We’re going to need a lot of tools as we expand into space – to build and maintain space stations and craft. However, the problem of how to replace tools should they break has always been a worry. After all, it’s quite an undertaking to fly them into orbit. But now scientists believe astronauts will be able to build unlimited replacements – simply by printing them.

Theoretical physicist David Kaplan, from Johns Hopkins University, visits a company called Z Corporation in Burlington, Massachusetts, which specialises in 3D printers that can make almost anything – even with moving parts. In the amazing film a huge adjustable wrench is first of all scanned into a computer, down to the accuracy of 40 microns – slightly less than the width of a human hair.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk...

I know some of you may know about this Tech but I know many don't. Just amazing to see it happen.

Space.... and about a 1000 other things. Good luck and with thinking like this.... amazing..

Just imagine if the Ancient Egytians or Mayans had this tech.....

reply to post by anon72


SnF
This changes everything!
If the printer is large enough, you could replace entire modules of the space station, or make new ships.

About a month ago I became really fascinated with 3D printing. So far it can only make objects from a single material. When it can print iPods and computers, then I think you'll begin to see what may be the most impactful invention ever created.

What amazes me is how it copied the working parts of the wrench and then made it work the same. How powerful is that scanner? Does it X-ray the part?

There is gonna be a bigger problem with "knock off" parts being created. I see this thing running into copyright issues big time.

3D Printers are awesome. When I heard about them years and years ago... I thought they were going to be very important in the future. And I'm sure they eventually will be... but I've got to say, I'm still surprised that they are not mainstream yet.

I mean, not only are they selling 3D printers now, but you can even buy kits to MAKE a 3D printer yourself! And yet I've still never seen one in person.

reply to post by anon72


Amazing technology!!

But uhmmm...how strrong is this composite material? Strong enough to replicate....let's say.... weapons?

Peace

If ever i saw something that i think originated from alien technology then this is it,first the microchip then this wow! I'm impressed!

Yes, tech has been around for a while, but it will and is going to get better. Imagine watching an infomercial in the middle of the night and clicking on "buy it now".....

Of course, piracy of everything digital will hold the distribution of this technology back, but we'll eventually get there as soon as the entitlement pukes learn the facts of life.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

Meh, until I can go up to one and order tea, Earl Grey, hot, I won't be impressed.

I'm so glad you posted this video! I read a thread about this technology several months ago, but hadn't seen it in action. I can't believe it replicated moving parts. Amazing.

does it say what kind of material it comes out as? is it some sort of plastic, clay or something?

There are multiple threads on this subject each either have/had the same video posted or referenced the wrench.

www.abovetopsecret.com...
www.abovetopsecret.com...
www.abovetopsecret.com...
www.abovetopsecret.com...

Unfortunately, corporations will probably try to horde the rights to create things, and anti-piracy sentiment will hold this technology back. Eventually the profiteering pukes will have to learn the facts of life.

reply to post by MainLineThis

earn the facts of life

FACT of live nr 1: Dont even bother read what you ever write.

Originally posted by SilentKoala
Unfortunately, corporations will probably try to horde the rights to create things, and anti-piracy sentiment will hold this technology back. Eventually the profiteering pukes will have to learn the facts of life.

3D Printing machines have been avaiable to buy for an age now, of varying quality and price. The best and most useful ones cost far bigger bucks as you'd expect. I've had stuff of mine 3d printed on a number of occasions and a few with lost of moving parts for client's future toy figure lines.(I have a couple of my 3d model printed out and sitting on my desk in frontof me now in fact.) They can do some amazing things but also have some nasty limatations at the moment.

Wayne...

really awesome.

cant wait for the 2.0 print a dictator model.

reply to post by anon72


Wow, this seems hard to believe!

How does the scanner see the hidden surfaces and make a difference between fixed and moving parts. It it using x-ray?

Perhaps they could scan and print the printer, so I can have one for myself ;-)

When I worked for a manufacturer many moons ago, we had one of these to fabricate parts for fit and function. The maker called it a prototyping machine vs. 3D printer.

It was cool that it could create a ball within a cube.

Piratebay has stated that this will be the future of online piracy. Imagine downloading specs for a computer or something else ridiculous and printing it at home. Wicked!!!!

reply to post by the secret web


I can see where this 3D printing is going to cause problems for people who hold patents. This gentlemen here has used it for prototypes which is fine, but anything you are scaning into this was designed by somebody else, therefore they have a right to it being copied. Space is a really interesting place this could be used though. The tool or item needed could be uploaded from earth to a space craft. The tools patent holder could then be paid their royalty for permission to copy it. Space construction is where I think this would really pay off. It would be easy to just send payloads of the powder up and then manufacture everything you need in space. Does anybody know what this powder is made from? Will this perform the same in a weightless environment? It would be an interesting experiment to perform at the ISS don't you think.