Printing Prototype Parts

[chrisp]

For those of you who might have missed this item from Jay Leno's Garage a few months ago, here's a reminder: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=944641.

Today, I came across this low cost alternative: http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/video-makerbots-build-it-yourself-3d-printer-in-action-replic/. I'm not sure the resolution is good enough yet, and the scanner is still work in progress, but it could be something to keep in mind as the technology improves, the cost falls, and parts for our old cars become NLA.

 

[BenzBoy]

For those of you who might have missed this item from Jay Leno's Garage a few months ago, here's a reminder: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=944641.

Today, I came across this low cost alternative: http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/10/video-makerbots-build-it-yourself-3d-printer-in-action-replic/. I'm not sure the resolution is good enough yet, and the scanner is still work in progress, but it could be something to keep in mind as the technology improves, the cost falls, and parts for our old cars become NLA.

It is brilliant technology. My dentist is one of a small number in Australia who uses this technology to make crowns for teeth. A small camera takes millions of point of the existing tooth and the software drives a small lathe that cuts a new tooth to the same shape and matches the colour. There is no reason why this technology will be able to inexpensively make all sorts of parts as the technology improves. I think this has a real WOW factor and believe it may revolutionise engineering processes.
Regards,
Benz-Boy

 

[Fotografa]

and parts for our old cars become NLA.

I'm guessing you are referring to our old cars that aren't Mercedes? One of the most attractive factors to owning an old Mercede is that NLA parts is not really an issue.

It's something Mercedes prides itself on.

It certainly is amazing technology though!!