So, you’ve seen the 3D-printed Iron Man suit, now check out what this clever engineer has created. Jim Smith decided to build his own large-scale printer at home and used it to fabricate the world’s first 3D-printed kayak. To print the 58-pound kayak, made entirely of ABS plastic, he had to “modify the 3D printer to print the parts inside a heated chamber so they wouldn’t warp or crack – the colorful result maintains its crucial shape and works like a charm.” Continue reading for a video and more information.
According to Inhabitat, “The kayak is composed of 28 sections. Each section is equipped with brass threaded thermoplastic inserts so that the next corresponding section can be screwed into it. To make the boat water tight, silicone caulk is used between the sections. It features a 6mm thick hull with a built-in, internal rib structure that provides strength yet keeps the kayak lightweight. On the bow and stern, Smith attached plug in points for cameras, handles and other add-ons. The kayak is 16 feet and 8 inches long, cost just $500 to make, and it floats.”
