3 ms·

Aren't all the current 3D printers are dependent on gravity? Or is the hot material sticky enough?

• Palomides 15y ago
  nope, repraps (and presumably all similar printers) can print in any orientation. see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euC2KZO37_Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euC2KZO37_Q
• parfe 15y ago
  Wouldn't mounting the printer outward from the center axis of a rotating drum solve this issue?
• grannyg00se 15y ago
  Not all 3D printers use hot sticky material. And those that do usually have some kind of method to push the material out with pressure. It's not a gravity drop.
  • maaku 15y ago
    Yeah, but it assumes the existence of gravity, which affects the size and shape of the plastic as it dries.
    • Groxx 15y ago
      Slightly, and less and less as you get finer and finer output and cohesion takes over.
• screwt 15y ago
  The article says it's an extrusion printer, so gravity isn't needed. Current machines would probably work without further modification (e.g. as others have noted, the RepRap can print upside down). In terms of what parts can be made, multi-material machines are commercially available[1] that allow a selective distribution of material properties throughout the printed object. This gives the ability to print quite advanced objects, not just dumb plastic parts. Add to that the developing abilities to print electrical circuitry, and you'e approaching a very useful ability and source of replacements. [1] http://www.objet.com/3D-Printer/Objet_Connex_Family/ http://www.objet.com/3D-Printer/Objet_Connex_Family/