Printing with carbon fiber – kinda interesting

[BlackHatGuy]

New printer can print models with a single material, or fiber fusion

The main weakness of commercial-grade 3D printers is tensile strength of the objects printed. The new Mark One printer, unveiled at the SolidWorks World Convention in San Diego, CA, is the first multi-material printer for small print runs designed for carbon fiber extrusion either solely or in conjunction with fiberglass, nylon, and PLA plastic.

The company behind the the printer claims that composite filament fabrication allows users to 3D print parts that are stronger than CNC machined aluminum by weight. The resultant print is up to 20x stiffer than ABS, and 5x stronger, depending on model design.

The maximum build size is 12×6.25×6.26 inches. Highest layer resolution for composite filament fabrication is 200 microns. Fused filament fabrication is limited to 100 microns.

The software that runs the printer runs on OS X 10.7 Lion and above , and Windows XP and greater. Supported files are the .STL and .OBJ formats. Models can be imported directly to the printer by SD card, and the printer connects to a computer through Wi-Fi or USB.

Pricing is estimated to be $5000. Preorders have commenced on the unit.

Read more: http://ow.ly/t5Azp

[Anonymous]

Pretty Cool… but i'm wanting and will be impressed when they *finally* come out with a Weird Science 3D printer than can make me a Lisa… preferably a model that does not require one to wear a bra on one's head to achieve optimal results.

I read in Popular Science magazine recently that the researchers and experts believe from current progress and innovations that we are only some 10 years away from this. I can wait till then… i think.

[Author]

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