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Sensable’s phantom omini haptic device
3-D printer
A three dimensional object is created by layering a substance and building it up until the object is produced.
One variation of 3-D printing consists of an inkjet printing system. Layers of a fine powder are selectively bonded by “printing” an adhesive from the inkjet printhead where upon a material such as resin is sprayed on the adhesive thus building up a 3-D object layer by layer. Other machines feed liquids, such as photopolymer, which form each layer of the model. These machines use ultraviolet light to cure each layer as it is deposited.
Another variation called fused deposition modeling uses a nozzle to deposit molten polymer again building it up layer by layer. This technology can be used for producing positives for casting for example in bronze or steel. Future technology will no doubt be able to produce in almost any medium. These machines are currently very expensive, but this, however, may change soon.
Free plans exist on the internet of a 3-D printer that is purported to be able to self replicate.
These plans may be found at
http://reprap.org/wiki/ Main_Page. The inventor proposes that these inexpensive machines which can be produced for around $ 500 will
revolutionize our world. Futurists predict that all homes will have one. This technology may well change the future of sculpture. Virtual sculpture plans may be sent over the internet to produce sculpture in home-owned 3-D printer machines. The plans would be purchased from the sculptor for a fee. This may establish a large international market for sculptors for limited or unlimited editions produced by 3-D printers. Virtual locks on the downloaded virtual sculpture plans would disable pirate copying, the same way some music and movies are copyright locked.
Resistance to new technology is always evident especially in endeavours such as sculpture making where long held traditions of technique are employed. But the new technology will enable faster and easier design in some cases. Digital fabrication techniques will prevail, and much like paper replaced papyrus and clay tablets, the new technology will displace all but the most diehard purists. Industry has developed these digital devices for rapid design and prototyping of manufactured goods. The development has benefited industry immeasurably. It is now time for sculptors to adopt and benefit from this digital revolutionary technology.
Jock Hildebrand
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