The
world’s first compact 3D printer-cum-scanner that can also scan items
has been unveiled at the American Association Advancement of Science
(AAAS) annual meeting in San Jose, California.
Blacksmith
Group start-up at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) launched
Saturday the user-friendly all-in-one device, named the Blacksmith
Genesis.
The
$2,200 (approx Rs 1,36,900) device allows users to scan any item, and
then edit the digitized model on the computer and print it out in 3D,
Lester Kok, assistant manager of NTU’s Corporate Communications Office,
told Xinhua news agency Sunday.
“Most
3D printers sold on the market now are not really user-friendly as
their 3D models and blueprints usually have to be designed from scratch
on the computer,” Kok said, “but Blacksmith Genesis doesn’t require much
knowledge of 3D software.”
Unlike
other commercial 3D printers, Blacksmith Genesis uses an innovative
rotary platform for its printing and scanning. This patent-pending
revolving platform allows for true 360-degrees scanning, and can print
items up to 6,650 cubic cm, twice the size of those printed by other
similar-sized 3D printers in the market.
With
a fine resolution of 50 micrometres, the reproductions will be twice as
detailed compared to other compact 3D printers. Likewise, scanning of
objects with its five megapixel camera takes only six minutes, twice as
fast as other 3D scanners in the market.
Another
unique feature of Blacksmith Genesis is its remote live monitoring and
automatic error detection using an in-built camera. Users can also
monitor the printing process on their smartphone from anywhere in the
world through an internet connection, and will be able to start or stop
printing at any time.
“While
low-cost 3D printers are accessible to the public, they are still very
hard to programme and assemble. Having an affordable, high-quality 3D
printer that is easy to use is what the market is missing and this is
where Blacksmith Group will bridge the gap,” Chua Chee Kai, the mentor
for the Blacksmith Group, said in a press release.
The
3D printer-cum-scanner was created in Singapore with the help of a
crowd-funding campaign, raising over $80,000 (approx Rs 49,80,000), and
its US supporters will be able to get it as early as March.
Posted by : Gizmeon
No comments:
Post a Comment