Quote:
Originally Posted by JWA
I'm very surprised the 3D printer material is strong enough to make a bracket strong enough to mount that pump and support the belt tension too. Simply amazing!
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These days there are many materials (and technologies) for 3D printing. In the old days (starting way back in the 80's), it was pretty much UV cure goo and 3D systems stereo lithography (SLA) machines. Very fragile/brittle parts that look like they've been left in the sun too long.
These days there are clear, flexible, colored, etc materials and a handful of technologies for printing, like FDM, polyjet, and still the original SLA. We even have Maker-bots for home use! There are many new materials that are strong enough to be more than visual models.
One technology that has withered away is Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) where sheets of thin kraft paper are laid down, laser cut, coated with glue and laminated. These machines were great at making large semi-planar parts like automotive door panels.
There are a few companies using autologous human cells to 3D print replacement body parts like kidneys, livers, skin, etc. Using your own cells to print new organs means no rejection. It'll be a few years (or more!) before these technologies are ready for prime-time, if ever.
http://www.organovo.com/