Real SciFi Technology - a 3D-Replicator

[40hz]

One of the more impressive demos of "3D printing" I've ever seen.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZboxMsSz5Aw

I want one!

[kyrathaba]

That is amazing!

[Deozaan]

That is amazing!

I was going to say the same thing.

[fenixproductions]

"You Wouldn't Download a Car" makes new sense

[ewemoa]

Niiiiiiiice 

[nudone]

Yep, amazing.

Any idea on the cost?

[40hz]

I was just thinking...now that it's possible to exactly scan and copy a physical object...what sort of patent or copyright legislation are manufacturers going to start demanding to protect reality from Replicator Pirates?

Can't wait to see the asinine laws and hordes of lawyers this technology is also going to create once it catches on.

I can just hear the conversation at Staples or OfficeMax:

"I'm sorry sir. But do you own the design of that spoon you want us to duplicate? Because if not, I'm afraid it's illegal for us to replicate it.  Here's a brochure the Manufacturers Protection Agency made to explain how the new laws work. It's called: You're all a Bunch of Worthless Thieving Scumbags!!!

You heard it here first, folks.  

[kyrathaba]

Imagine the medical applications once this technology gets more sophisticated: almost perfect facsimiles for knee replacements, etc.

[Ath]

3D printing is a real technology already, one of the shops that can produce the objects for you is Shapeways, but you can build your own 3D printer, if you like, for around US$500 - US$1000. The guys at MakerBot (there are more supplies around) have complete kits where you mostly add time and a creativity, and get tips from the user support forums.
This Wikipedia article^w has a good explanation and references

[40hz]

Imagine the medical applications once this technology gets more sophisticated: almost perfect facsimiles for knee replacements, etc.

Brilliant thinking Mr.K. !!!  

Any bone! Wow. Talk about a boon for reconstructive and orthopedic surgery if they can come up with a highly stable biocompatible modeling resin. Virtually exact replacement parts! The mind boggles at the possibilities and opportunities.

[Deozaan]

Imagine the medical applications once this technology gets more sophisticated: almost perfect facsimiles for knee replacements, etc.

Brilliant thinking Mr.K. !!! 

Any bone! Wow. Talk about a boon for reconstructive and orthopedic surgery if they can come up with a highly stable biocompatible modeling resin. Virtually exact replacement parts! The mind boggles at the possibilities and opportunities.

My mom recently had a life-altering, multiple bone injury and is currently recovering from surgery. Perhaps she could have used something like this. But, erm, I guess they'd need to somehow scan the bones before the injury to make good copies. But I guess in the meantime pins, rods, and cadaver bone tissues will have to do.

[Stoic Joker]

I guess they'd need to somehow scan the bones before the injury to make good copies.

Not really, they could either scan (assuming a limb) the other side and transpose it before "printing". Or possibly scan the remaining fragments, jig-saw puzzle them back together (in virtual), and then "print" the completed result. Either way the result would be far more accurate than the current breed of erector-set style ("adjustable") one size fits all options.

P.S. Sorry to hear about your mom.

[kyrathaba]

Sorry to hear about your mom.

+1.  Will keep her in my prayers, Deo.

[Renegade]

Hmmm... Colors? Australian money is plastic...

[40hz]

@Deo- sorry about you Mom. Having gone thru similar with mine, I can relate. Wish her my best. My best to you too.