Star Trek-like Replicator? Electron Beam Device Makes Metal Parts, One Layer At A Time

[n2doc]

ScienceDaily (Nov. 11, 2009) — A group of engineers working on a novel manufacturing technique at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., have come up with a new twist on the popular old saying about dreaming and doing: "If you can slice it, we can build it."

That's because layers mean everything to the environmentally-friendly construction process called Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication, or EBF3, and its operation sounds like something straight out of science fiction.

"You start with a drawing of the part you want to build, you push a button, and out comes the part," said Karen Taminger, the technology lead for the Virginia-based research project that is part of NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program.

She admits that, on the surface, EBF3 reminds many people of a Star Trek replicator in which, for example, Captain Picard announces out loud, "Tea, Earl Grey, hot." Then there is a brief hum, a flash of light and the stimulating drink appears from a nook in the wall.

more:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110071535.htm

Not quite the same! But still amazing tech. Reminds me more of the device used in "iron man"

[MineralMan]

1. See it in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrWHwHuWrzk

[FredStembottom]

5. I wish that video had used some of it's time....

...to show a finished part!

However... there is a company on my freight route that has machines that build plastic parts in layers like this. Even though the finished parts are a little "layer-y", it's astounding to see them slowly appear without any mold involved!

[Gman2]

2. I was involved in the earliest attempts at the tech

Back then, it was porous, and a consistency of copper.

If this tech REALLY pans out, there is littel drawback. It will have the ability to design far better than can be machined. Such as conformal water passages.

[tridim]

3. I'm holding out for my own nano-printer

My first printout will be another nano-printer that is better than the original.

[phantom power]

4. I dream of a day when science reporters no longer make lame comparisons to Star Trek.

I no longer expect to live to see that day, but I cling to hope that my daughter will.

[trotsky]

6. Your daughter (and my kids too) will be LIVING Star Trek, dude!

It's true, I read it in a science news article!

[Indenturedebtor]

7. As long as there are no unitards that sounds great :D

Seriously though why isn't anyone working on one that will make me martinis?

[phantom power]

9. Yeah... I'm thinking it's going to be more like Heavy Weather than Star Trek.

Or maybe On The Beach.

[Ganja Ninja]

8. As long as it's not Stargate replicators. n/t