New Technology Could Lead To 3D Printers

nomoreself writes "PhysicsWeb reports that a team of scientists in Jerusalem has come up with a method for creating self-assembling 3-dimensional models from a single sheet of paper. The 'chemical origami' is created by etching a pattern of monomer onto the paper and then heating it. The chemical's reaction to the heat causes bends of varying degree in the paper, molding the sheet into the patterned model. A professor in the US with no apparent ties to the study says in the article that the technique could be used to create self-assembling prototypes, or even a printer that prints 3D objects."

Excellent!

[mstahl]

This'll really help me finish the rest of these 10,000 paper cranes!

Every printer I've even seen is a 3D printer

[Anonymous Coward]

Call me when they have a 2D printer (for easy storage) or a 4D printer for all your hypercube needs.

porn?

[binarybum]

thought this might be good for porn - then started thinking about paper cuts.

Bah!

[Cheviot]

My printer is already 3 dimensional.

Oh Christ no no NO!

[Stephen Tennant]

"the technique could be used to create ... a printer that prints 3D objects."

3D object printed becomes 3D printer for infinite recursiveness! If these printers came with automatic paper feed, then the world will be finished in weeks, hundreds of self replicating 3D printers converting the Earth into an infinite series of... 3D printers!

It's like Skynet and grey goo all rolled into one

What I can't wait for...

[ukatoton]

Is for these printers to be able to print printers that can print printers themselves. Once we have recursive printers, I'll be happy.