The popularity of 3D printing
has exploded, but even as prices for the devices have fallen, not
everyone is prepared or able to shell out the cash necessary start
experimenting. But what if there was a 3D vending machine that made
experimenting quick and easy, without the printer investment? Well, now
there is.
Created at Virginia Tech's DREAMS Lab, the DreamVendor
allows students to quickly print out prototype designs by simply
inserting an SD card containing a physible data file into a large bank
of four Makerbot Thing-O-Matic 3D printers. Once completed, the printed
object is deposited into a vending-style
retrieval shelf, similar to the one from which you might snag a candy
bar or a bag of potato chips. Designed to encourage 3D prototyping at
the lab, students are allowed to use the machine free of charge.
And while the school hasn't announced any plans to take the idea
commercial, it's not difficult to imagine a day, in the very near
future, when you'll see a similar, pay-per-3D-print version of the
DreamVendor stationed at your local OfficeMax or Staples. You can see
the DreamVendor in action in the video below.