· 3D Hardware
· 3D Software
· 3D Video
· 3D TV and Movies
· 3D Art
· 3D Picture of the Day
· 3D Modeling
· 3D Printing
· Reviews
· Gaming
· How To
· News
· Everything Else
· Off Topic
· Around the Web
· Virtual Reality
Posted by: Jesse on: 12/11/2012 03:30 AM
Let me explain...
Snowflakes, blood vessels, cauliflower, and clouds all have a property of design known as fractal. A fractal is structure or pattern that is self-similar on all length scales. That basically means that the shape of an object is made up of miniature versions of that same shape.
What does this have to do with the man of steel?
Well, Yong Mao of the University of Nottingham, UK developed an advanced 3D printing process which mimics the fractal patterns found in nature and applies them to various building material, including steel.
Mao created a specific fractal pattern and a complicated process by which to print the pattern, ultimately making a 3rd generation model of the pattern (3rd generation meaning he had to tweak the printing process three times, the maximum number of times he could print upon the same object) due to the limitations of the technology), which is reportedly 10,000 times stronger then steel. Take that Superman!
The only drawback in this design is that is there is just the tiniest imperfection, the whole structure will collapse. No big deal.
The advantages of building using this technology would be that it greatly cuts down on the amount of waste and the amount needed to build in the first place.
Snowflakes, blood vessels, cauliflower, and clouds all have a property of design known as fractal. A fractal is structure or pattern that is self-similar on all length scales. That basically means that the shape of an object is made up of miniature versions of that same shape.
What does this have to do with the man of steel?
Well, Yong Mao of the University of Nottingham, UK developed an advanced 3D printing process which mimics the fractal patterns found in nature and applies them to various building material, including steel.
Mao created a specific fractal pattern and a complicated process by which to print the pattern, ultimately making a 3rd generation model of the pattern (3rd generation meaning he had to tweak the printing process three times, the maximum number of times he could print upon the same object) due to the limitations of the technology), which is reportedly 10,000 times stronger then steel. Take that Superman!
The only drawback in this design is that is there is just the tiniest imperfection, the whole structure will collapse. No big deal.
The advantages of building using this technology would be that it greatly cuts down on the amount of waste and the amount needed to build in the first place.
Comments
Related Stories
Get your 3D Printed Jewelry Here Get yer 3D printed jewelry! Looking for that perfect stylish yet techy Christmas gift for your loved one (or yourself, lets face it). Try some 3D printed jewelry! ...
Japanese Company Makes 9 inch Tall 3D Prints of a Mini You Ah yes, the classic family portrait. Starting with drawings, progressing into paintings, then beautiful sculptures, and ending with photographs... or does it? ...
IKEA Uses 3D Printers in it's R&D Department [Video] Ikea is among the many cutting edge companies that are quickly adopting 3D printers for use in their research and development departments, totally streamlining the prototyping process. ...
Virginia Tech Makes DreamVendor, a 3D Printing Vending Machine @ Dvice This innovative university used some creativity and 4 MakerBots to create a literal 3D printing vending machine. Could this be coming to a store near you? (watch out RedBox!)...
Staples to Offer In-Store 3D Printing Service with Full Color In the not-so-distant future, you’ll be able to print your 3D projects right at your local Staples....
3D printers could use Moon rocks, say scientists @ The BBC Future Moon colonists may be able to use lunar rocks to create tools or replacement parts for repairs. The would help minimize transport wieght and increase productivity of the mission. Read about ...
3D Print at home for under $500 with Portabee. Portabee introduces perhaps the most affordable home printing to date. ...
Company Sues Kickstarter Over 3D Printer Patent, Maligns 'Hackers And Makers' Has founsd that even though formlabs may have been able to take advantage of expring patents, thye may have overlooked one or two. ...
Get a Custom 3D Print of Your 2D Picture from BumpyPhoto BumpyPhoto can take any of your favorite 2D pictures and convert them into a 3D physical object that looks really cool....
Guide to 3D Printers Which 3D printer is right for me? Can I build one myself? How much does it cost? Your questions - answered!...