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10:26, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

3D Printing is going into overdrive.

Posted by Andhaira
Andhaira
member, 419 posts
Sat 21 Mar 2015
at 23:25
  • msg #1

3D Printing is going into overdrive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTJq9Z5g4Jk

3D printing is getting faster and faster.

Thus far cars (without engines) and houses have been 3D printed, as well as rocket engine parts by NASA. Governments are already taking steps to criminalize files for printing of certain items like weapons (guns)

The future looks both bright and scary. 3D printing will completely revolutionize and change engineering and the global economy as we know it in real time. I am seriously considering attempting to profit from this somehow, either by setting up a unit in my own city or in other ways. (Free 3D printed dice for all 100 rpol-ers if I do! :D )

Anyhow, is anyone here involved with 3D printing in any way?
Undeadbob
member, 1863 posts
RPGA member #6004591
Just a little weird
Sun 22 Mar 2015
at 00:52
  • msg #2

Re: 3D Printing is going into overdrive

Not yet, but one of my players showed me a printer that could be used to print off pre-painted plastic minis (it could come in 3 colors), and a way of copy figures I already have. Mind you this is not for profit (unless I figure out how to make my own sculptures), its just so I can attack my players with a 100 mutant eagle-men whenever I feel the need.

Nothing more epic then seeing a horde of monsters versus the puny 4-player party.
TinyTim
member, 111 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2015
at 00:57
  • msg #3

Re: 3D Printing is going into overdrive

I've done some 3d printing for making building models to use in flames of war. Haven't tried printing tanks yet. My next printing project is a cargo glider for flames.
Prowler.Jeff
member, 92 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2015
at 01:11
  • msg #4

Re: 3D Printing is going into overdrive

At this year's CES in Las Vegas, there was a company that's developed 3D-printed high-end racing car parts, such as for Formula 1 race cars.  I don't know how much you all know about the 3D printing technology, but you can only have one material in the tray at a time.  These guys figured out a machine that you can switch trays for the new material and they guarantee less than a 10-micron shift in the printing.  It uses a mixture of carbon fiber, graphite, and kevlar and is up to 20x stronger, 1/4 the weight, and costs 1/10 of the current part.
facemaker329
member, 6610 posts
Gaming for over 30
years, and counting!
Sun 22 Mar 2015
at 03:35
  • msg #5

Re: 3D Printing is going into overdrive

Thus far, the extent of my involvement in 3D printing has been limited to rolling my eyes when one of my business contacts keeps telling me about his buddy who's set up a 3D printing business.

That's because this same buddy has failed to deliver one promised project to another friend of mine (almost a year now)...and never bothered to answer a phone message left by another friend who called to inquire about getting a part printed.  Failing to respond to prospective clients or leaving them hanging is a really poor way to establish a good business...

But I do agree, there are some incredible opportunities just over the horizon with it...the industry/process as a whole, probably not his business so much...
Jarodemo
member, 786 posts
My hovercraft
is full of eels
Sun 22 Mar 2015
at 07:29
  • msg #6

Re: 3D Printing is going into overdrive

I heard that they are planning to send a 3D printer to the international space station. That way when the crew need something they can just upload a file and print it rather than sending it from earth. Long term it might allow them to build a new spaceship... in space!
Dara
member, 341 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2015
at 13:25
  • msg #7

Re: 3D Printing is going into overdrive

Actually there already is a 3d printer on the ISS.  Not only have then printed things from patterns it had in memory, but they send a new file via "email" and printed that too!
SWolfe
member, 35 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2015
at 14:02
  • msg #8

Re: 3D Printing is going into overdrive

I watched an interesting story on some news show about the use of 3D printers to create artificial hearts and other body parts.
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