The problem with aimbots is that they can easily be detected, but University of Maryland engineers may have come up with a solution in the form of a 3D-printed soft robotic hand. That’s right, they came up with flexible, inflatable robots that are powered by water or air rather than electricity. An integrated fluidic circuit was then installed to allow the hand to operate in response to the strength of a single control pressure. Read more for a video and additional information.
The world’s first 3D-printed steel bridge has opened to the public in Amsterdam. This project began back in 2017 when robotic 3D-metal printers were used to manufacture and assemble large sections of the bridge, but the final placement of the steel structure had to be postponed for years since the canal walls needed to be restored. Engineers hope this bridge will open a world of possibilities for architects, engineers, and designers. Read more for a video and additional information.
H/t: Gizmodo
Dan Fritsche, a theme park enthusiast and mechanical engineer, spent 900-hours creating a 3D-printed launch roller coaster from scratch. How did he get the inspiration for such a creation? Well, spending hours as a child building K’nex coasters definitely had something to do with it. The build started by prototyping the train, and it took 3 iterations and slight redesigns to scale down the train while still maintaining all the degrees of freedom. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Relativity Space officially unveils Terran R, the world’s first fully reusable, entirely 3D-printed launch vehicle. This two-stage, 216-foot-tall rocket has a 16-foot diameter as well as a 5-meter payload fairing and will be entirely reusable, capable of launching up to 20,000 kg (44,092 lb) to low Earth orbit (LEO). The milestone was achieved using a proprietary 3D printing process with software-driven manufacturing, exotic materials and unique design geometries that are not possible in traditional manufacturing. Read more for a video and additional information.
California-based Czinger debuts their production 21C, which was developed using an in-house invented Human-AI production system. It will be limited to 80 vehicles worldwide, with all components created in part using additive manufacturing technologies, with each one computationally engineered using AI, optimized for weight / performance, and is beautifully finished by hand. Read more for a Top Gear segment, additional pictures and information.
The Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer is touted as the best model for beginners, and you can get one for $259 shipped after clipping the on-page $20 off coupon, this weekend only, originally $399.99. The new upgraded model now has a self-developed silent motherboard to ensure smooth movement under 50db, while offering near zero noise during printing. Product page. Read more for a hands-on video review and additional information.
Texas-based ICON has just unveiled their next project, called “House Zero”. It’s touted as the most incredible 3D-printed home yet since it was optimized and designed specifically to be created with their next-generation Vulcan printer. Spanning 2,000-square-feet, it features three-bedrooms, three-bathrooms and an additional one-bedroom, one-bathroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Read more for a video and additional information.
Designed by Ping-Hsun ‘penk’ Chen and Ruha Cheng, the open source RUHAcam digital camera is powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero W computer connected to a Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera module, which boasts a 12.3MP Sony IMX477 sensor. Other features include a 2.2-inch TFT display that functions as a viewfinder, a 2,000mAg Li-Pi battery, and a 3D-printed case inspired by retro-style SLR cameras. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Bart van Overbeeke
A Dutch couple, Elize Lutz and Harrie Dekkers, have moved into Europe’s first fully 3D-printed house in Europe, which is located in the Bosrijk neighborhood of Eindhoven, Netherlands. This boulder-shaped, detached single-story home spans 94 square meters of living space, consisting of a spacious living room and two bedrooms. It boasts extra thick insulation and a connection to the heat grid to keep it comfortable and energy efficient year-round. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Inventor Henry Hanson wanted to create a trumpet unlike any other, and what he came up with was a block of concrete, literally. This fully-functional musical instrument was handcrafted from a single block of concrete, but the building process included several technologies that many are familiar with, including creating a virtual model and a 3D printer. Once a prototype was complete, finishing touches were added with wood and concrete. Read more for a video and additional information.