Want to print a new wrench? How about some tasty chocolate treats? What about new skin? The burgeoning field of 3D printing — a loose term that encompasses a whole suite of related technologies like laser sintering of metal and bio-medical printing — can do some amazing things. We’ve collected a few of our favorite videos of items and processes but we welcome suggestions for other vids.
Human skin
A great conjunction of high and low tech: Scientists at the U.S. Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine load up a standard inkjet cartridge with human cells and print human tissues to regenerate skin.
Adjustable wrench
Z-Corporation, the owner of the 3D Printer brand, whips off a fully functional adjustable wrench.
MakerBot’s Frostruder
The whole concept of 3D printing is based on taking something gooey and turning it into something awesome. It’s only a baby step to using chocolate for this process and MakerBot delivers in this video.
Laser sintering of metal doodads
A display of another additive manufacturing technique, laser sintering, which can create metal objects.
Moving thing-a-majig
The coolest thing about 3D printers is that they can create toys that flex, roll and move. Behold.
Top image: Screen grab courtesy National Geographic Known Universe