My favorite tool is the 3D printer due to the wide application of the machine; NASA is looking at developing 3D printing for food in space (Loura, 2013); tissue printing using cells (Staff, 2009). 3D printer work by melting the polymer and deposit the polymer into thin layers. 3D printer has a disadvantage that is if the 3D model have any overhang support must be placed and remove after the printing is done, another disadvantage is that 3D printing takes along time depending on the size of the 3D model. The first disadvantage can be negated by using water soluble polymer. Some 3D printer can use 2 material at the same time.
I have used 3D printer to print a 3D model to print a model of an ultralisk which a unit from the game Starcraft II. The model came out very rough as there is many overhang in the model, so a lot of sanding has to be done to make it resemble the model in game. I also saw someone make an articulated model straight from the 3D printer.
reference:
Staff, W. (2009, 11 December). Invetech helps bring bio-printers to life. Retrieved from https://www.labonline.com.au/content/life-scientist/news/invetech-helps-bring-bio-printers-to-life-413047968
Loura, H. (2013, 23 May). 3D Printing: Food in Space. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/feature_3d_food.html
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