MIT researchers build $7,000 3D printer

Global SourcesUpdated on 2023/12/01

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The 3D printer is able to create complex objects with a variety of materials.

Researchers at MIT have built a 3D printer that is able to use up to 10 materials at once (Image source: MIT)

One of the key limitations of 3D printers is that they typically are only able to print a single material at a time. While there are commercial-grade 3D printers that are able to print multiple materials, these can cost more than $100,000 each and, according to MIT, require significant human intervention to work.

Recently, MIT researchers at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have managed to build a 3D printer that can do many of the same things in a smaller, cheaper and easier package. The $7,000 3D printer can use up to 10 different materials at once using off-the-shelf components.

The system, called MultiFab, uses cameras to scan the components and adopts it to print other objects using other materials around them. In addition, the system utilizes a system similar to inkjet print heads to mix and match various photopolymers together to create items with better resolution than many existing printers are capable. The researchers have been able to create everything from smartphone cases to LED lenses.

The system behind the unit is also the first 3D printer that uses 3D machine vision, which the researchers claim offers two key advantages in accuracy and convenience over traditional 3D printing. First, the system can self-calibrate and self-correct, which means users won't have to fine tune the system themselves. Second, it allows for the embedding of complex components such as sensors directly into the body of an object.

See a comparison table of selected 3D printer suppliers on GlobalSources.com

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MIT researchers build $7,000 3D printer

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