3D printing machine

[Aitch]

I know it was discussed, including 'every home should have one', but just thought this might be stretching it a bit...?
http://nexusilluminati.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/the-end-of-builder-giant-3d-printer.html

....though I could do with somewhere better to live..... ;-)

Aitch :)

[David Halliday]

I like the idea!

While it's perhaps not ideal for long term (there is nothing quite as permanent as a temporary solution), this could have some application in aid environments. Imagine a (perhaps semi) "pop up" hospital/accommodation or facilities for disaster events or even slums.

have a specialist truck (or trucks) roll out a set pattern to build apartments/rooms etc... within a structure in a simple and quick manor from cheap.

[Steven Gartland]

Hey David

How are you? long time no see.

On the 3d printer front, do any of you see potential applications for a hand held 'freestyle' version. I was thinking that it could be a far cheaper alternative to a proper one and, with a bit of practice, could produce very rough prototypes. Also, it may be good for the artistic world. There is something like this on the market but it is massively over designed and very expensive. My idea would have a price point of around £40.

To clarify, imagine a hot glue gun that is pen shaped and, through a motor, ejects a steady stream of heated thermal plastic. Think additive sculpting.

Let me know what you think. If anyone wants to help put a prototype together you would be very welcome.

Cheers

Steve

[David Halliday]

I'm good, how about yourself? London is keeping me more than busy!

Prototyping the freehand should be quite easy... Most 3D printers come as a kit: http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2010-06/making-makerbot
However I see no reason why you can't get hold of the heating element and mount it with a feed device to something... Not quite sure it would still count as a 3D printer it it's all hand held like a glue gun.
That and normally 3D printers take a LONG time (comparatively) to build something... I think you will get a tired arm before you build much model.Although, as a hand "touch up" on existing prints... potential.