Published: 09 May 2007
Forgotten your toothbrush? Never mind, just print out a new one.
What may seem like science fiction is scientific fact and these 3D printers are just a couple of years from being affordable home accessories, according to industry insiders. Using halogen lamps that melt powdered nylon, and technology that allows customers to download designs online, it will soon be possible to produce everything from a toothbrush to flip-flops.
Such printers have been used in industrial design stores for the past decade where they have been used to test designs for parts before being sent for manufacture en masse. But such machines used to cost around $100,000 (£50,000). In recent years that price has fallen to around $15,000 but in a matter of a year or two such printers are expected to be available for about $2,000. continue...
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