This is the kind of thing that reminds me that we have some of the coolest and most creative people on the planet. Making a sugar-based 3-D printer that can create large models with a surprising amount of resolution out of scavenged and self-built components is an impressive feat.
Our fabricator is not designed for prototyping machine parts; it’s designed for fun, for large-scale 3D illustration, for sculpting, architectural models, and other applications where resolution isn’t the only important factor. We estimate the total cost to build a machine with similar capability to be in the neighborhood of $500. Realistically, the cost of any project like this is not a fixed number, and since recycled components are involved, the actual cost could range up or down by a factor of two depending on how resourceful the builder is.
There are a number of different print media that may be suitable for use with SHASAM fabrication: many types of plastics and waxes have low melting points and are available in granular or powder form. Beyond that, there are a number of interesting foods– chocolate chips come to mind– that can be used with the process However, one of the most interesting possibilities is using table sugar.
As it sits they could sell it to Dairy Queen for a fortune.
4 Comments
I remember when printing edible pictures on the top of birthday cakes was new. I could see this device becoming the next cool cake bakery appliance that could create custom cake toppers such as a miniature bride and groom who have been laser scanned into the system…
I’m surprised someone hasn’t fielded a food-quality 3D printer already.
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article A DIY 3-D printer that uses sugar as a working medium, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
where are the DIY instructions? where do i get one?
Post a Comment