A Chinese company just 3D-printed an entire mansion and apartment building

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3D-printed homes have gone from 650-square-footers to 12,000-square-foot mansions. 

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While we’ve seen some pretty impressive 3D-printed projects in recent months, ranging from castles to homes, one Chinese construction firm is taking it to whole new heights. WinSun, the company that 3D printed 10 one-story homes in a single day last year, just revealed a pair of new 3D-printed creations: a five-story apartment block and a three-story mansion.

The two buildings are currently still just proof-of-concepts, with the apartment block and 11,840-square-foot mansion positioned side-by-side inside a Suzhou Industrial Park expo area. And well, a big structure calls for a pretty big machine. Both projects were constructed using a special type of pre-mixed concrete from “construction waste” and created layer by layer by a gigantic 3D printer measuring 20′ x 33′ x 132′ in size.

“The latest 3D-printed homes are in Suzhou in eastern China, where WinSun is based. The partially finished wall section pictured below shows how the firm’s giant 3D printer creates layers of 3D-printed concrete that is later formed into a section of wall. These pre-fabricated elements are then put into place to build the entire structure,” Tech in Asia reports.

According to a company rep, WinSun also plans on launching 100 recycling facilities around China to help them keep up with demand. And while the mansion’s interior is undecorated, it does provide a glimpse into the future of 3D printing. The company says that the buildings are perfectly safe to live in, and hope to build housing blocks as tall as 12 stories in the coming years.

For more photos, head on over to Chinese news site Caixin. Meanwhile, you can learn more about the project on Winsun’s official page here.

At last, you can 3D print chocolate on demand

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Hungry? Why wait? Just 3D print your chocolate bar! 

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While we’ve recently seen everything from 3D-printed pizza to ice cream, this next invention is really tempting our sweet tooth. 3D Systems has launched a working prototype of the CocoJet, a chocolate 3D printer developed in collaboration with Hershey.

Ideal for the everyday baker, Maker and chocolatier, the CocoJet prints custom designs in dark, milk or white chocolate. First seen on display at CES 2015, the machine is capable of accepting personalized designs and creating complex structures. The prototype currently uses a modified FDM model, where layers of melted chocolate are extruded then cooled into solid form in a temperature-controlled chamber.

At the moment, the CocoJet can only print four to five bite-sized chocolates per hour. However, in the future, we wouldn’t be too surprising to see the next iteration of the device feature multiple chambers and nozzles to enable speedier, various-flavored designs.

While 3D Systems hasn’t revealed too many details around the sweet creation, the company does intend on sharing its commercial plans for this class of chocolate printers at a later date. From personalized wedding favors to Valentine’s Day gifts, just think of the possibilities. Watch it in action below!

Voxel8 is making 3D-printed electronics a reality

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This 3D printer is blending plastics and electronics in the same printed object.

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Traditionally, electronic circuit boards are manufactured in standard shapes. However, Voxel8 has unveiled a new 3D printing platform that brings together functional materials, hardware and software to give designers a once inconceivable way to integrate electronics into their projects.

While previous electronics printing efforts have involved either retrofitting existing machines or spitting out PCBs using inkjet printers, the Massachusetts-based company believes it has developed the world’s first 3D electronics printer. As seen at CES 2015, the Voxel8 is enabling users to blend plastic, conductive ink and electronic components all into the same object. Makers can now create built-in electronic circuitry right into their DIY designs, ranging from quadcopter drones to phones to USB sticks.

The innovative printer, which was founded by Dr. Jennifer A. Lewis in partnership with Autodesk, boasts interchangeable cartridges that can print out objects in both PLA plastic and conductive silver ink. The team reveals that this ink is five thousand times more conductive than other pastes and filaments currently used in 3D printing, and indeed, carries higher currents capable of supplying power to small electric motors and actuators.

The ink is specifically designed so that it can be deposited by a 250 micron nozzle, dried in just five minutes at room temperature and used to reliably interconnect TQFP integrated circuits. In fact, it will enable users to easily wire together chips and other electronic components within their 3D-printed objects, making way for a degree of design freedom that is simply not possible through standard manufacturing methods.

Embodying a C-shaped design, Voxel8 offers users optimal transparency into the device as their parts are being constructed. On the hardware side, the gadget is driven by a RAMBo 1.3 (ATmega2560/ATmega32U2). In addition, it is equipped with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as a highly-repeatable kinematically coupled bed that uses magnets to ensure precision as a Maker manually inserts the components of interest, then continues printing the part right where it left off.

The printer has a layer resolution of 200 microns, and can even create objects up to 4” x 6″ x 4” in size. Thanks to Autodesk’s Project Wire software, the printing process can also be paused to let users manually insert components that will be embedded in the project.

Since its debut back in January, the company has generated quite a bit of buzz in the news. Most recently, Voxel8 announced that it had closed a strategic investment and technology development agreement with In-Q-Tel (IQT), the investment firm that identifies innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. CIA.

Interested in printing your own novel 3D electronic devices? The machines are expected to begin shipping late 2015. In the meantime, head on over to Voxel8’s official page to learn more.

Check out the first entirely 3D-printed proton pack

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Get ready to weaken ghosts by firing a stream of protons from this 3D-printed pack. 

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Our friend Thomas Lemieux, more commonly known as ironmanofmaine, has returned with a slick new project. Before beginning the latest iteration of his incredibly impressive (and popular) Iron Man suit, the Maker has created what is surely the world’s first entirely 3D-printed proton pack.

The proton pack is a fictional energy weapon used for weakening ghosts and aiding in capturing them within the Ghostbusters universe. For those unfamiliar with the 1980s flick, it has a hand-held wand (particle thrower) connected to a backpack-sized particle accelerator that is capable of firing a stream of protons that polarizes the negatively charged energy of a ghost, allowing it to be held in the stream.

Stemming from his World Maker Faire 2014 costume, which indeed generated quite a bit of attention, Lemieux has logged his build here. Meanwhile, the photos can also be seen below!

Man saves his wife’s sight with the help of 3D printing

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After a misdiagnosis of a brain tumor, one Maker turned to 3D printing and imaging. 

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Without question, 3D printing is rapidly evolving. All you needed to do was take a look around CES 2015 to note that the technology is inching closer and closer to mainstream popularity. One area in particular making great strides is the medical space, as we’ve seen everything in recent months from 3D-printed splints to prosthetics to organs, helping humans and animals alike get a second lease on life. The latest success story comes out of Pittsburgh, where a man was able to save his wife’s sight by 3D printing a replica of her tumor.

As MAKE: Magazine’s Sara Breselor first revealed, during the summer of 2013, Pamela Shavaun Scott began to experiencing frequent, severe headaches. That December, doctors confirmed that the pain was a result of a three-centimeter brain tumor lodged behind her left eye. Immediately, Scott’s husband Michael Balzer requested her DICOM files, which is the commonly used standard digital format for medical imaging data. Following another MRI a few months later, the radiologist came back with a horrifying report: The tumor had grown, indicating a far more severe condition than originally diagnosed.

Balzer — who is a 3D imaging expert behind the website AllThings3D — used Photoshop to layer the new DICOM files on top of the previous pictures in an effort to compare the radiologists’ findings. It wasn’t before he realized that, in fact, the tumor hadn’t grown at all. Instead, the radiologist had simply measured from a different point on the image. Once his relief subsided, a furious Balzer was more determined than ever to stay in control of his wife’s treatment, MAKE writes.

“I thought, ‘why don’t we take it to the next level? Let’s see what kind of tools are available so that I can take the DICOMs, which are 2D slices, and convert them into a 3D model,” explained Balzer.

The 3D imaging aficionado wanted a tangible model of Scott’s cranium so that he could get perspective on the tumor’s size and location, then think about what kind of treatment to pursue. Doctors had instructed that the removal process for a tumor of this nature — which is commonly known as a meningioma — is sawing open the skull and lifting the brain to remove the mass. This, of course, comes with several risks ranging from potential cognitive damage to blindness.

Subsequently, Balzer began experimenting with 3D imaging tech from other parts of the world. Using open-source software called InVesalius, which uses DICOM, MRI and CT files to visualize medical images, along with other imaging tools like 3D Slicer, he was able to create renderings of his wife’s tumor.

The couple sent them out to hospitals across the country around February, Balzer told MAKE. “Then he uploaded the files to Sketchfab and shared them with neurosurgeons around the country in the hope of finding one who was willing to try a new type of procedure.”

A neurosurgeon at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center agreed to consider a less invasive operation, one where the meningioma would be accessed and removed through Scott’s left eyelid via a micro drill. Balzer had adapted the volume renderings for 3D printing and produced a few full-size models of the front section of his wife’s skull on his [Atmel based] MakerBot. A few weeks prior to the surgery, he went ahead and sent those renderings over to the surgeons to provide them with a better idea of the area they were working with.

Lo’ and behold, the surgeons were able to remove 95% of the tumor, and Scott was back to work in a matter of just three weeks. While Balzer’s 3D renderings may not be the only reason the procedure went smoothly, it does illustrate the tremendous potential of 3D printing technology. Those wishing to learn all about the experience and procedure can read the entire write-up from MAKE: Magazine here.

Little Monster is a 3D printer with big promise — and an ATmega2560

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A desktop friendly consumer 3D printer that won’t scare your wallet. 

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You may recall the Cobblebot 3D Printer from its successful Kickstarter campaign last summer. Like a number of other low-cost devices on the market today, it was powered by an Arduino Mega 2560 (ATmega2560) and boasted an impressively-sized build area, allowing Makers to create objects up to 15″ x 15″ x 15”. Not too shabby for a $300 consumer desktop printer, if you ask us.

Led by Jeremiah Clifft, the team has returned with its latest affordable, easy-to-assemble machine that they hope will help redefine the market. Dubbed Little Monster, its incredibly minimalist design and “frighteningly awesome performance” will surely make it a hit amongst Makers everywhere. The $199 device, which was designed to provide a desktop 3D printer experience capable of high speeds and high resolution, sports a a standard build area of 6″ x 6″ x 6” that is also expandable up to 10″ x 10″ x 10″.

Aiming to capitalize on the success of his original large-build Cobblebot, Clifft and his team have just launched a new Kickstarter campaign.

“Whether you are looking to put your creativity to work and bring your ideas to life or to start a business, Cobblebot Little Monster can help you get there. Our high quality and low-cost 3D printer makes Cobblebot Little Monster an unequaled consumer 3D printer that can be used for business or personal use,” Lifft writes.

Although the sub-$200 3D printer is designed to primarily print using PLA and ABS filament, those interested in other materials can however purchase an upgradeable all-metal hexagon hotend that will enable extruding in other commonly-used materials such as nylon, polycarbonate, flexible filament, LayWood, PVA and HDPE.

Aside from the super low price tag, perhaps what makes the Little Monster 3D Printer the perfect desktop 3D printer for casual users is its simplistic assembly and calibration, which can be done in just about an hour — compared to the better part of a day for more complex FDM 3D printer models.

In addition to being driven by an ATmega2560 and RAMPS 1.4, other notable specs include:

• Layer Height: 100-300 micron
• Print Speed: 30 – 60mm/sec (which can be faster with hotend upgrade)
• Weight: ~10 lb
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac or Linux
• Connections: USB and SD card
• Filament Size: 1.75mm
• Power Supply: 12V 30A recommended )
• Stepper Motors (x4): NEMA 17 stepper motors
• LCD: Model 2004 LCD (Upgrade: Model 12864 LCD)
• SD Card Slot: Included
• Stepper Drivers: A4988 (Default: Allows 1/16 stepping)
• Heated Bed: PCB heatbed is an optional upgrade

Those interested in learning more or backing this desktop printer can head on over to its official Kickstarter page, where the team is currently seeking $100,000. If all goes to plan, shipments to early bird backers will begin late spring/early summer with fulfillment expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Video: 7-year-old boy receives a new prosthetic “trooper” arm

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Add Stormtrooper to the growing list of comic book-inspired, 3D-printed prosthetics.

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In recent months, we’ve come across quite a few miraculous and heartwarming 3D printing stories. And, it looks like that momentum is carrying on into 2015. The Maker Movement has now given a seven-year-old boy, who was born without part of his left arm, a pretty amazing 3D-printed Clone Trooper prosthetic.

First reported by the Augusta Chronicle, Liam received his new limb as part of an international effort to harness new DIY tech to help those requiring prosthetics they otherwise couldn’t obtain. While commercial pieces can cost upwards of $40,000, more affordable options have been made available thanks to recent advancements in 3D printing. In addition to that, many insurance companies do not cover costly prostheses for children because they will quickly outgrow them; subsequently, 3DPs are a practical and feasible alternative.

After learning about E-Nable, a group of volunteers who print prosthetic parts for kids, Maker John Peterson decided to put his skills and acquired printer to go use by crafting a Star Wars-esque arm for the boy. It took the Maker nearly three months to create Liam’s new limb — for only $300.

A huge fan of the flick, Liam had spotted Imperial Stormtroopers marching toward him after leaving a Georgia movie theater. What he didn’t know was that the troopers were there to surprise him with a new 3D-printed prosthetic arm, which was paired with a Clone Trooper helmet and an invitation to join the 501st Legion.

Once Liam inserted it onto his left elbow, he was able to flex the fist and hold a cup. You’ll want to watch the entire surprise below!

The top 6 trends from CES 2015

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As our week in Vegas comes to a close, we’re recapping some of the most talked-about products and trends from the show floor. 

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Ah, CES. A week full of keynotes, productive meetings, surprising celebrity sightings, and of course, a number of incredible innovations from startups, Makers and mainstream corporations alike. Last week proved to be no different, as a record-setting crowd witnessed everything from driverless cars and humanoid robots, to 3D-printed foods and Jetsons-esque home appliances, to self-watering plants and drones.

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, 2015’s show was the largest in CES history with more than 170,000 attendees in Las Vegas, compared to approximately 160,000 just a year ago — 45,000 of whom were from outside the United States. In addition to visitors, there were about 3,600 exhibitors throughout the show floor demonstrating products in a number of categories, such as automotive electronics, healthcare solutions, connected devices, gaming and more.

While the event remains the place-to-be to experience the latest TV and audio products from companies like Samsung, Sony, LG and Panasonic, more importantly, it is where the rapdily-growing Internet of Things seemed to infiltrate nearly every facet of our lives — from the kitchen to the road. Evident by the sheer volume of booths found throughout Eureka Park, countless crowdfunded projects and smaller businesses captured the eyes of CES-goers — ranging from wearables and 3D printers to modular DIY kits and smart home devices.

Smart Homes

As expected, 2015 was surely the year of connected living. Google’s Nest launched a new range of partnerships to support appliances throughout the home, Whirlpool unveiled its Smart Top Load Washer/Dryer and Kitchen of the Future 2.0 concept (features a backsplash and cooktop that connects a user to social networks, websites and recipes), LG debuted a dual-load washing machine (allows two different loads to be washed at once while the user monitors its status via smartphone), Samsung revealed a robotic vacuum cleaner, while Parrot introduced a self-watering plant pot (senses moisture levels, fertilizer, sunlight and temperature, then regulates the watering process). Two other areas in and around the home that got plenty of attention were lighting and security, ranging from bulbs that deter burglars to easy-to-use, low-cost DIY systems.

Connected Cars

While Back to the Future flying cars may have yet come to fruition, driverless cars and connected vehicles are certainly entering the fast lane in 2015. Mercedes released what the company calls a “forerunner of a mobility revolution,” a contemporary plug-in hybrid car that utilizes sensors and 3D cameras to steer without human assistance. In addition to the German autonomous automobile, Audi exhibited a self-driving car, BMW demoed a smartwatch-controlled vehicle, VW highlighted one capable of parking itself, while Ford showed off its latest smartphone-like interface. Elsewhere, Atmel unveiled its AvantCar 2.0 center console concept. Tomorrow’s drivers are demanding a more modern HMI experience, especially in the center display, with no mechanical buttons or clunky knobs. The futuristic AvantCar 2.0 was packed with active touchscreens, curved form factors, personalized color schemes and navigation menus via touch buttons and sliders in a cutting-edge sleek design.

Robotics

Safe to say, there wasn’t a shortage of robots at this year’s CES either. It seemed like quadcopter drones were everywhere, spanning from LVCC’s South Hall to Tech West. There was everything from those that could track and follow an individual to some that were taking selfies to new heights. Furthermore, standard non-flying robots weren’t left out of the CES party either, particularly those like Ozobot and LocoRobo, which were designed to inspire STEM-based disciplines and to teach kids how to code. Then, there were those with real world applications, such the robotic personal chef Cooki. Similar to those seen at Maker Faire events across the world, exoskeletons were also a featured attraction throughout the week, most impressively, ones equipped to carry heavy loads and enable paralyzed individuals to walk again. Last but not least, Toshiba stole the show with their ChihiraAico humanoid robot that could introduce herself in English, gesture like an actual person and more.

Wearables

From sensor-laden clothing to connected collars for pets, wearable technology was definitely one of, if not the most, apparent trends at the show. Emiota exhibited a smart belt that could adjust its size based on a wearer’s food consumption, Misfit unveiled a new fitness tracker in collaboration with Swarovski to enhance its aesthetic appeal, Garmin debuted a lineup of Vivoactive, Fenix 3 and Epix watches, and Withings introduced a minimalist-faced Activité Pop, while other major brands (i.e. Guess) set out to usher in a new wave of fashionable devices to adorn our bodies. Meanwhile, Sensoria showcased smart socks that could track and analyze runs, Cambridge Consultants released a smart shirt that monitors vital statistics, and Rainbow Winters’ new dress possessed the ability to change colors based on peoples’ moods. Other players in the field such as TempTraq and VivaLnk revealed a new set of wearable technology for the baby market, with thermometer-like connected patches, while Zensorium’s Being watch was designed to monitor and analyze wearers’ stress levels.

3D Printers

While 3D printing may not have been at the center of all the buzz this CES like it had in 2014, it did demonstrate the optimistic future for the next-gen technology. Indeed, a number of exciting and innovative creations could be found throughout the halls, ranging from 3D-printed musical instruments to dresses. It was also made clear that filament was moving beyond just plastic, with new materials like metal, wood, stone and even chocolate set to become the norm. Among the other notable news at the show was XYZprinting’s latest food printer and MakerBot’s Composite PLA filaments.

Virtual Reality

2015 will be remembered as the year VR matured into a serious consumer category. HP introduced a 23-inch VR-enabled display, Samsung exhibited its own goggles, Virtuix demoed the first-of-its-kind gaming treadmill, Razer announced Open Source VR, while as predicted, heavyweight Oculus had a rather impressive presence at the show.

Space Weaver is a seven-foot-tall 3D weaving machine

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Now that’s one heck of a Maker’s ‘dream weaver.’ 

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A group of Digital Craft Lab students recently developed a seven-foot-tall 3D printer, aptly dubbed Space Weaver, that is designed to create ultra-lightweight woven structures with fibrous materials, rather than the plastics usually extruded by similar machines.

Led by our friend Michael Shiloh and fellow Future Cities Lab instructor Jason Kelly Johnson, the students utilized a three-axis gantry system (similar to FDM) for creating a platform that can construct objects comprised of carbon fiber and fiberglass. With a maximum build height of five-feet, objects printed on the Space Weaver are produced using a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio that results in no waste and requires no support material.

During an eight-week build period, the young Makers approached the Space Weaver project with three different skillsets: machine building (including the frame, mechanical components, CNC gantry, electronics and spools), programming and material science. The team selected a Shapeoko 2 CNC instead of the typical 3D printer mechanisms due to its durability as well as its ability to be modified for a larger build volume.

The Space Weaver is based on a Synthetos V8 TinyG (ATxmega192), while a 24V 6.35A power supply drives all five stepper motors. Both components are enclosed in a laser-cut acrylic case for protection.

Want to know more about the build? You can find a step-by-step breakdown of the students’ project here. Meanwhile, you can check out the team’s latest creation: autonomous 3D printing robots.

3D printing gives one dog the ability to run for the first time

Another day, another animal given a new lease on life thanks to 3D printing. While we’ve previously seen TurboRoo the cute Chihuahua receive a wheelchair-like apparatus and a duck dubbed Quack Quack be fitted with braces, this time is a husky mix named Derby who had been born with deformed legs.

With the help of the 3DSystems crew and a team of orthopedic experts, Derby was given a pair of modified front legs — which feature two blade-like attachments — that now allow the dog who was once barely able to get around, run swiftly down sidewalks as well as play fetch in the yard.

It all started when Derby’s owners had placed him into a foster home by The Peace And Paws Rescue, not long before being picked up by 3DSystems employee, Tara Anderson. While she first decided to get Derby a cart, which seemed to work pretty well, she felt as though it could not provide Derby with the full motion of running. So, a pair of designers and animal orthotist Derrick Campana came together to scan Derby’s legs and proceed to make the dog’s tailored cradles and blades, which actually resemble a pair of those “jumping shoes” you had as a kid.

Right in the peak of the holiday season, it’s truly wonderful to see a dog so joyful — all thanks to 3D printing technology. The real story here is that rapid prototyping is proving to an ideal solution for a number of orthopedic and medical problems, both for man and our four-legged friends. Derby is the perfect example.

You can watch Derby in action below. (However, consider yourself warned, you may want to 3D print some tissues afterwards!)