MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers

I wonder why they needed the laser pre-heater. I can't imagine it is that dramatically more effective than resistive heating. Even if it is, just having a longer pre-heater to make up for it would have to be cheaper.

EDIT: Did a bit of research, a major benefit of laser heating is direct control of energy transfer so you can be sure your heating the plastic to the right temperature regardless of how fast its moving through the heater. Still, aren't all these advantages eliminated by the traditional primary heater immediately after?

Re: MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers

#5

Post by yosito » Sat, Dec 08, 2018, 4:04 AM UTC

Fast and loud! Holy hell! I thought dot matrix printers were loud.

Re: MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers

#6

Post by leowoo91 » Sat, Dec 08, 2018, 4:10 AM UTC

slededit wrote: post #4

I wonder why they needed the laser pre-heater. I can't imagine it is that dramatically more effective than resistive heating. Even if it is, just having a longer pre-heater to make up for it would have to be cheaper. EDIT: Did a bit of research, a major benefit of laser heating is direct control of energy transfer so you can be sure your heating the plastic to the right temperature regardless of how fast its moving t…

That is almost steampunk, we need cyberpunk :-P

Re: MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers

#7

Post by kentlyons » Sat, Dec 08, 2018, 4:20 AM UTC

Here is the paper they published: https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1709/1709.05918.pdf

And the press release from last year: http://news.mit.edu/2017/new-3-d-printer-10-times-faster-com...

Re: MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers

#8

Post by japhyr » Sat, Dec 08, 2018, 4:21 AM UTC

> All technologies are improved with lasers.

I love this writing style, clear and informative but playful at the same time.

Re: MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers

#9

Post by luckylittle » Sat, Dec 08, 2018, 4:23 AM UTC

Step 1: Buy a 3D printer Step 2: Print a 3D printer Step 3: Return the 3D printer

Re: MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers

#10

Post by [deleted] » Sat, Dec 08, 2018, 4:25 AM UTC

slededit wrote: post #4

I wonder why they needed the laser pre-heater. I can't imagine it is that dramatically more effective than resistive heating. Even if it is, just having a longer pre-heater to make up for it would have to be cheaper. EDIT: Did a bit of research, a major benefit of laser heating is direct control of energy transfer so you can be sure your heating the plastic to the right temperature regardless of how fast its moving t…

[deleted]