SigmaWay Blog

3D printing technology produces smooth, detailed architectural models in an array of materials, including rigid photopolymers and plastic. Students from University of Tokyo guided by architect Kengo Kuma have developed a 3D-printing pen that can be used to create complex architectural structures out of plastic sticks. The Construction team named their model as ""large-scale hand-drawn structures"" which manually prints out strings of thermoplastic filament, guided by a digital tracking system. The support structures are made up of acrylic bonds providing structural stability in tension and also some strength in compression. To know more, please read the article by Dezeen Magazine -: http://www.dezeen.com/2016/02/22/tokyo-university-research-students-3d-printed-pen-complex-architectural-structures-plastic/

3D printing technology was first used in 1980s, but was mostly limited to government and industries that time. Later in 2009 it became commercially available for consumers. Despite its more and more consumer-friendly models introducing in market, 3D printers continues to be out of the financial reach of average consumer. Makerbots costs $2,000 which is by the way still not bad compared to the price tag of industrial printers ($5.000-$10,000). There are some open source projects happening to make technology make more widely accessible. Others are providing customizable services through internet options. Global 3D printing market takes into account shipment from OEMs in automatics, consumer products, healthcare, aerospace and defense. Due to which its expected to boost the marker from 1.95 billion to 11.07 billion. Industrial side is what pushing the technology forward in automotive sector contributing 21.2% to the global market.  Honda and Peugeot have used 3D printers which are released in files so that anyone can achieve that design. Read more at: http://www.technavio.com/blog/car-parts-body-parts-3d-printing-showing-no-signs-slowing-down

A light-emitting, transparent and flexible paper has been created by Chinese researchers led by Yu-Zhong Wang and Fei Song (material scientists from Sichuan University) which glows and emits light at room temperature. This paper can be used for phones and tablets to make them lighter and eco-friendly. This material can bring a new thinking on future electronic displays and 3D printing papers.?Read more at:http://www.digitaljournal.com/technology/researchers-develop-light-emitting-paper-for-flexible-displays/article/433850