I have read about the innovative uses for a 3D printer but had never seen one for myself 'til I stopped in the Upper School library this morning.
According to WIkipedia, The 3D printer takes virtual designs from computer aided design (CAD) or animation modeling software, transforms them into thin, virtual, horizontal cross-sections and then creates successive layers until the model is complete. It is a WYSIWYG process where the virtual model and the physical model are almost identical.
With additive manufacturing, the machine reads in data from a CAD drawing and lays down successive layers of liquid, powder, or sheet material, and in this way builds up the model from a series of cross sections. These layers, which correspond to the virtual cross section from the CAD model, are joined together or fused automatically to create the final shape. The primary advantage to additive fabrication is its ability to create almost any shape or geometric feature.
In this case, a young teacher was designing a camera mount by means of a CAD program. Apparently the process of building up the layers takes a long time. Here you see some trial items created using templates.
The price of these innovative machines has come way down. I saw one advertised online for $499. Who knows what the future of this intriguing machine will be.
Great capture of this printer and very interesting comment. I'm sure that they will only get better and cheaper in time!! Look how fast the computer and other technology have evolved. In fact, some of these things are going too fast for me to catch up!! Amazing what a ten year old knows about technology today.