back to article Speedy 3D printer creates 285µm Formula-1 speedster

Scientists at the Vienna Institute of Technology have demonstrated a polymer and laser etching technique that promises to dramatically speed up the printing of tiny 3D objects. The technique uses a fluid polymer developed at the university, which hardens when hit by a strong light source. A laser was used to create a series of …

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  1. John Smith 19 Gold badge
    Thumb Up

    astonishing speed x astonishing resolution

    The combination is what makes it astonishing.

    The 2 photon absorption chemistry is quit interesting as a way of improving resolution.

    1. annodomini2
      Stop

      Re: astonishing speed x astonishing resolution

      I do agree the print speed is amazing, but the result needs to be strong enough to be useful for more than just warhammer models!

      1. Mephistro
        Thumb Up

        Re: astonishing speed x astonishing resolution (@ annodomini2)

        Perhaps even if this substrate is not too hard, you can still use this method to create molds. And the plastic itself could be used to create tubes, micropumps and valves. Think of the possibilities!

  2. Pondule

    It's like my car, the tyres are only flat at the bottom.

  3. stucs201
    Joke

    (click to enlarge)

    Really? Wow! I'm very tempted to do that, but not quite sure what I'd actually do with a full size F1 car. I'm guessing you recommend not expanding tower bridge indoors?

    1. Dr. Mouse
      Coffee/keyboard

      Re: (click to enlarge)

      See icon, I will accept cash, cheque, PayPal or bank transfer. Please contact me at iam@joking.com :)

  4. Code Monkey
    Thumb Up

    Wow

    So is it tiny to make the process quicker (or cheaper) or just to show off?

    I'm impressed either way and looking forward to when they embiggen it.

  5. tomallen35

    I watched Red Bull use a similar printing process for their wind tunnel models. They use a combination of polymers and ceramic to add strength - can't remember the specifics. Seriously amazing to watch, but so slow....

  6. Mephistro
    Thumb Up

    I just followed my own advice in my last comment.

    And thought of the possibilities.

    I'm drooling! :D

    - Biological and chemical detectors, that can detect hundreds of pathogens, toxins and contaminants, 'printed' in something the size of an A4 sheet. Complete blood analysis made almost instantaneously and cheaply with a only few drops of blood. Hospital masks and patients clothes including this technology. Same thing for firemen's masks, contamination detectors...

    - Tactile micro-sensors and micro-actuators for robotic applications, i.e. for giving a surgeon a complete tactile feedback while doing remote surgery. True 'bomb squad robots', able to interact with a bomb the same way a human bomb disposal operative would, instead of just detonating it. 'Creeping hand robots' for repairing things in places not accessible to human workers...

    - 'Spider feet' and 'Gecko feet', allowing small robots to walk on any surface, be it floor, walls or ceiling.

    - Engineered surfaces, so as to retain moist, or oils, or contaminants, or remain dry.

    - ...

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.

      and what it will actually be used for is: JIT manufacturing of sex toys.

      1. Crisp

        Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.

        Who would use a sex toy that small?

    2. Gordon 10

      Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.

      Steady on!

      All those applications need more enabling technologies than the ability to print small things quickly.

    3. Elmer Phud

      Re: I just followed my own advice in my last comment.

      Both of those objects look to me like they just need the rest of the snow-globe.

      A practical use - customised snow globes.

  7. zanto
    Trollface

    Little Lewis Hamilton

    "Now all we need is a miniture Lewis Hamilton"

    You mean like a full size Fernando Alonso then.

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Little Lewis Hamilton

      They're both tiny. Button towers over Hamilton.

      1. Anonymous Coward
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: Little Lewis Hamilton

        It's an advantage, being small, if you are a car jockey.

  8. Anonymous Coward
    Thumb Up

    Science....

    ....because it works.

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Science....

      No warnings from scientists that two similarly configured nano models shouldn't be allowed to marry then?

      Disgusting! Rome should have the last word with these things or we're doomed! We're all doomed!

  9. S4qFBxkFFg
    Go

    So when will we be able to download our cars?

    1. Crisp
      Coat

      You wouldn't download a car would you?

  10. silver fox
    Joke

    Doesn't look...

    ...very aerodynamic to me! look at the shape of those spoilers!

  11. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Are those legs...

    ...protruding from under the front left wheel? Was he run over or is he fixing something underneath the car?

  12. jai

    practical applications

    it doesn't need practical applications, it's so damn cool just in and of itself

  13. Vladimir Plouzhnikov

    Impressive, but

    I think they need to work on their anti-aliasing :-)

  14. Robert E A Harvey

    "The team is now looking at practical applications"

    Make a tiny submarine and send Stephen Boyd & Raquel Welch through someone's bloodstream?

  15. Richard 45
    Trollface

    Another nicely-styled Italian car. I bet its electrics don't work, though.

  16. Michael H.F. Wilkinson Silver badge

    Great, could be used to develop nan-playmobil!

    for nano re-enactments.

    Would find use on El Reg, I suppose

  17. Lallabalalla
    Happy

    This stuff just utterly blows my mind

    And I don't even *care* what it's for!

  18. JOKM

    Volume

    Is that a speed to print a 5m line or a 5m cubed volume?

    1. annodomini2

      Re: Volume

      5m line

  19. jumpyjoe

    Formula 1?

    Anyone who know anything about motorsport can tell that this is NOT a F1 car. It's clearly one of those second rate Indy cars.

    Why do people always persume that the Americans are the fount of everything?

    1. NukEvil
      Trollface

      Re: Formula 1?

      Because...we...are?

    2. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Formula 1?

      Vienna Institute of Technology.

  20. IronSteve

    Mighty oaks come from little acorns

  21. JFK
    Black Helicopters

    Hasbro, Codemasters and Darpa take note....

    I predict a revival of the 'Micro Machines' franchise....

  22. Ironclad
    Happy

    Does it tiny tiny chicanes ?

    or is is just me thinking 'World's Smallest Scalextric Set' ?

    1. stucs201
      Facepalm

      Re: Does it tiny tiny chicanes ?

      I thought about it, but decided against it. If you want to try and find a car that small when it flies off the track then be my guest...

  23. JC 2
    Mushroom

    I wonder

    if we can just print a new planet when we've worn out this one.

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