3D printers

[glad rag]

Ok I'm bemused, what is a 3d printer?

Just don't get the concept..

[Saab Dastard]

It's a device for creating solid objects by laying down successive thin layers of material, usually some form of thermosetting plastic, although powdered metals and ceramics can also be used. 3D printing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing)

It's even possible to create firearms in this way (except for the firing pin, apparently) - BBC News - Working gun made with 3D printer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22421185).

SD

[atakacs]

Question is when are 3d printed parts going to be used in aviation. It will happen... Just a matter of when.

[Saab Dastard]

Question is when are 3d printed parts going to be used in aviation. It will happen... Just a matter of when.

I agree - the answer is when it is more economical to produce parts in this way and, of course, after testing to ensure that the parts so produced are satisfactory and pass regulatory requirements, etc.

SD

[Dak Man]

Been around for quite sometime, used a lot in rapid prototyping and blade casting (to provide a negative mould for instance).

If anyone has a 3D printer, I'd like a Weird Science era Kelly lebrock please.

I believe that the Chinese have made a 3D printed Titanium wing spar.

3ders.org - 3-meter long titanium airplane part 3D printed in one piece | 3D Printer News & 3D Printing News (http://www.3ders.org/articles/20130118-3-meter-long-titanium-airplane-part-3d-printed-in-one-piece.html)

[jamesdevice]

already been done for UAVs and model aircraft
Research team at (I think) Southampton University around two years ago built the first printed UAV

[glad rag]

Right, that makes a LOT more sense than the answers I got elsewhere, :ok: