/sci/ - Science & Math

>>5796886
because it's fucking awesome

Answer: probably not. 3d printing, the process as trademarked by Z-corp produces incredibly weak parts with structural properties on par with that of chocolate.

Now if, you're referring to ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, that's whole different story. That's already changing the world.

>>4317550
Didn't watch OP's video, but from a couple frames I made out from it, they only covered the artsy uses of these machines.

>>create electronics
Done, modified stereolithography machines have been used to make 3D-circuit boards

>>create different types of materials like metal, glass, ceramic, etc.
All those materials have been printed, by various processes(electron beam melting, laser sintering, binder deposition, electron beam freeform fabrication, etc). Just not all in the same print.

>>create mechanical components like hinges, valves, pistons, etc.
Done, done, and done. Hinges are easy, jusy make a living hinge. This company called Objet makes machines that jet multiple materials(one material rubbery, the other stiff), one of their example prints is a working syringe complete with working gaskets. Presumably valves could be made too with this process.


pic related, it's a 3d printed engine block. The weird looking design isn't aesthetic, it saves material and weight.