3D Printing Set to Take Off From University of Southampton
Lately there's been a lot of hubbub around 3D printers. The idea has been around for a while, but it has been gaining a lot of public attention from appearances on television shows like Known Universe on the National Geographic Channel, and the Colbert Report on Comedy Central.
The concept is simpler to grasp than you might think when you hear "3D printer." Basically, a laser is fired at a powder that solidifies when burned, layer by layer, from top to bottom. In order to print an item, you need a 3D image, which can be designed from scratch, or copied from an existing object by scanning it with special devices that can an object down to within 40 microns (less than the width of a human hair) of its actual dimensions.
Known Universe had an episode that focused on the potential benefits that 3D printing would have in space, for replacing small parts for repairs, while the Colbert Report touched on 3D printer company Makerbot, which focuses more on the consumer market and miniature likeness of Steven Colbert with tentacles.
But researchers from the University of Southampton in England have proven another area where 3D printers excel - aeronautical engineering. In just one week, they designed and built a model airplane from scratch, tweaking designs and reprinting parts that didn't work or that they wanted to test out. Because 3D printing even works for objects with moving parts, everything fit together perfectly, too. Best of all? It's cheaper than other methods of design. Here's to hoping for some new and exotic aeronautical designs in the future with the help of 3D printers.
Check out the video below for a look at the plane's test flight.
Source: Engadget
