Speedy 3D printer creates 285µm Formula-1 speedster
Scientists at the Vienna Institute of Technology have demonstrated a polymer and laser etching technique that promises to dramatically speed up the printing of tiny 3D objects. The technique uses a fluid polymer developed at the university, which hardens when hit by a strong light source. A laser was used to create a series of …
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astonishing speed x astonishing resolution
The combination is what makes it astonishing.
The 2 photon absorption chemistry is quit interesting as a way of improving resolution.
Re: astonishing speed x astonishing resolution
I do agree the print speed is amazing, but the result needs to be strong enough to be useful for more than just warhammer models!
Re: astonishing speed x astonishing resolution (@ annodomini2)
Perhaps even if this substrate is not too hard, you can still use this method to create molds. And the plastic itself could be used to create tubes, micropumps and valves. Think of the possibilities!
(click to enlarge)
Really? Wow! I'm very tempted to do that, but not quite sure what I'd actually do with a full size F1 car. I'm guessing you recommend not expanding tower bridge indoors?
Re: (click to enlarge)
See icon, I will accept cash, cheque, PayPal or bank transfer. Please contact me at iam@joking.com :)
Wow
So is it tiny to make the process quicker (or cheaper) or just to show off?
I'm impressed either way and looking forward to when they embiggen it.
I watched Red Bull use a similar printing process for their wind tunnel models. They use a combination of polymers and ceramic to add strength - can't remember the specifics. Seriously amazing to watch, but so slow....
I just followed my own advice in my last comment.
And thought of the possibilities.
I'm drooling! :D
- Biological and chemical detectors, that can detect hundreds of pathogens, toxins and contaminants, 'printed' in something the size of an A4 sheet. Complete blood analysis made almost instantaneously and cheaply with a only few drops of blood. Hospital masks and patients clothes including this technology. Same thing for firemen's masks, contamination detectors...
- Tactile micro-sensors and micro-actuators for robotic applications, i.e. for giving a surgeon a complete tactile feedback while doing remote surgery. True 'bomb squad robots', able to interact with a bomb the same way a human bomb disposal operative would, instead of just detonating it. 'Creeping hand robots' for repairing things in places not accessible to human workers...
- 'Spider feet' and 'Gecko feet', allowing small robots to walk on any surface, be it floor, walls or ceiling.
- Engineered surfaces, so as to retain moist, or oils, or contaminants, or remain dry.
- ...
Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.
and what it will actually be used for is: JIT manufacturing of sex toys.
Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.
Steady on!
All those applications need more enabling technologies than the ability to print small things quickly.
Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.
Both of those objects look to me like they just need the rest of the snow-globe.
A practical use - customised snow globes.
Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.
Who would use a sex toy that small?
Little Lewis Hamilton
"Now all we need is a miniture Lewis Hamilton"
You mean like a full size Fernando Alonso then.
Re: Little Lewis Hamilton
They're both tiny. Button towers over Hamilton.
Re: Little Lewis Hamilton
It's an advantage, being small, if you are a car jockey.
Re: Science....
No warnings from scientists that two similarly configured nano models shouldn't be allowed to marry then?
Disgusting! Rome should have the last word with these things or we're doomed! We're all doomed!
Doesn't look...
...very aerodynamic to me! look at the shape of those spoilers!
Are those legs...
...protruding from under the front left wheel? Was he run over or is he fixing something underneath the car?
practical applications
it doesn't need practical applications, it's so damn cool just in and of itself
Impressive, but
I think they need to work on their anti-aliasing :-)
"The team is now looking at practical applications"
Make a tiny submarine and send Stephen Boyd & Raquel Welch through someone's bloodstream?
Another nicely-styled Italian car. I bet its electrics don't work, though.
Great, could be used to develop nan-playmobil!
for nano re-enactments.
Would find use on El Reg, I suppose
This stuff just utterly blows my mind
And I don't even *care* what it's for!
Volume
Is that a speed to print a 5m line or a 5m cubed volume?
Formula 1?
Anyone who know anything about motorsport can tell that this is NOT a F1 car. It's clearly one of those second rate Indy cars.
Why do people always persume that the Americans are the fount of everything?
Hasbro, Codemasters and Darpa take note....
I predict a revival of the 'Micro Machines' franchise....
Does it tiny tiny chicanes ?
or is is just me thinking 'World's Smallest Scalextric Set' ?
Re: Does it tiny tiny chicanes ?
I thought about it, but decided against it. If you want to try and find a car that small when it flies off the track then be my guest...
I wonder
if we can just print a new planet when we've worn out this one.
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