Author Topic: Printing has come a long way: from 2d to 3d (Read 2720 times)

rodtod · « **on:** March 16, 2003, 09:07:23 AM »

Last January, NewScientist.com posted an article about a new breakthrough in the printing industry. Basically, electronics can now be "printed" using a new 3d Gadget Printer. Instead of using regular printer ink, the 3d printer creates layer upon layer of special polymers, until these layers form an entire, fully-functional electronic device.

Just think of the possible applications with this thing! Some scientists have already stated that this new breed of printers will dramatically cut development costs of electronics. Rick's OLED Display would be even easier to produce, and available to a broader demographic. The "wallpaper plasma" mentioned in that same thread would become a possibility today.

Furthermore, complex electronics would only be limited by how accurate the 3d model is on the computer. You see, this gadget printer isn't your standard Star Trek replicator. It doesn't have a database of everyday objects. Instead, one must create a 3d representation on a computer, and then send the information to the printer.

One of the reasons why flat screens are so expensive is because of the rate of defections. With this gadget printer, there would be little to no malfuntion, for every device would be made exactly the same, with accuracy up to the molecular level.

Helloooo Star Trek!

BlkPaladin · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2003, 03:25:56 PM »

It's utilizing a simular technoloy that forensic scientists are using to reconstruct old skeleton remains. They use a simular 3D printer and polymer to make skuls a stuff so Jane Does can be ided easier.

manunited4eva22 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2003, 07:00:18 AM »

I wouldn't say that it will be the end all be all for high end stuff like paper plasmas. As it is said once it breaks, it is ruined. Imagine paying 4000 dollars for something and it being unrepairable. If it were being made extremely cheaply, then I could agree it would be easy to replace, but otherwise it still has years to go.

theaveng · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2003, 01:42:30 PM »

Yeah... my company was doing 3D printing five years ago. The only difference is that we were "printing" large-scale gadgets, not micro-electronics.

rodtod · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2003, 05:29:49 PM »

manunited, plasma screens wouldn't cost that much anymore if they were made using 3d printers. but sure, the screen is still susceptible to failure, but that's why we pay for warranty coverage

manunited4eva22 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2003, 10:07:44 AM »

Another thing about that was it said it was not made for high end electronics that require the speed of silicon to that polymer. It will take a while longer before they figure out how to get past that also.

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Author Topic: Printing has come a long way: from 2d to 3d (Read 2720 times)