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This will be even scarier when there are no alternatives left, and the only options will be physical objects that abuse personal data. I think it will take tru

This will be even scarier when there are no alternatives left, and the only options will be physical objects that abuse personal data. I think it will take true pioneers in other fields to extend the open source movement beyond software. With rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques exploding, how much longer until I can submit a pull request for an open source car?

kabdib 13y ago
At the moment it's really difficult to print battery chemistry. You probably need real nanotech to print a spring or other item that requires complex metallurgy. I wonder about things like tires, or even seat covers. So it'll be a while.
- spellboots 13y ago
  You can 3d print springs on even the cheapest hobbyist 3d printers these days [1]. Some 3d printed springs exceed the performance of traditional designs of the same weight [2]. Battery chemistry is indeed a different kettle of fish however. [1] http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39963 http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39963 [2] http://www.rapidreadytech.com/2012/04/3d-printed-spring-exceeds-traditional-manufacturing/ http://www.rapidreadytech.com/2012/04/3d-printed-spring-exce...
- praxeologist 13y ago
  Maybe it isn't that far off: http://vimeo.com/51702339 http://vimeo.com/51702339 "Imprint Energy aims to reshape the battery landscape. Currently available battery technologies limit the pace of improvement in design and functionality of portable electronic devices. Imprint Energy will address these shortcomings with its breakthrough zinc-based rechargeable battery technology, Zinc Poly™. Zinc Poly™ battery technology removes longstanding limitations on the rechargeability of zinc-based batteries and enables the production of ultrathin, flexible, high energy density rechargeable batteries for significantly lower cost and without the design limitations or safety concerns of other battery technologies." I think they say the batteries can be printed on modified textile printing equipment. I contacted them recently because I would love to use this tech if it lives up to their claims. They wouldn't give me any sort of details like how much energy is stored in one of the square inch patches they are showing though.

kabdib 13y ago

At the moment it's really difficult to print battery chemistry. You probably need real nanotech to print a spring or other item that requires complex metallurgy. I wonder about things like tires, or even seat covers. So it'll be a while.

spellboots 13y ago
You can 3d print springs on even the cheapest hobbyist 3d printers these days [1]. Some 3d printed springs exceed the performance of traditional designs of the same weight [2]. Battery chemistry is indeed a different kettle of fish however. [1] http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39963 http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39963 [2] http://www.rapidreadytech.com/2012/04/3d-printed-spring-exceeds-traditional-manufacturing/ http://www.rapidreadytech.com/2012/04/3d-printed-spring-exce...
praxeologist 13y ago
Maybe it isn't that far off: http://vimeo.com/51702339 http://vimeo.com/51702339 "Imprint Energy aims to reshape the battery landscape. Currently available battery technologies limit the pace of improvement in design and functionality of portable electronic devices. Imprint Energy will address these shortcomings with its breakthrough zinc-based rechargeable battery technology, Zinc Poly™. Zinc Poly™ battery technology removes longstanding limitations on the rechargeability of zinc-based batteries and enables the production of ultrathin, flexible, high energy density rechargeable batteries for significantly lower cost and without the design limitations or safety concerns of other battery technologies." I think they say the batteries can be printed on modified textile printing equipment. I contacted them recently because I would love to use this tech if it lives up to their claims. They wouldn't give me any sort of details like how much energy is stored in one of the square inch patches they are showing though.