Desktop Fabricator May Kick-Start Home Revolution

A cheap self-assembly device capable of fabricating 3D objects has been developed by US researchers. They hope the machine could kick start a revolution in home fabrication — or rapid prototyping — just as early computer kits sparked an explosion in home computing. Rapid prototyping machines typically cost from $20,000 to $1.5 million. The standard version of the Freeform fabricator — or fabber — is about the size of a microwave oven and can be assembled for around $2400. It can generate 3D objects from plastic and various other materials. Full documentation on how to build and operate the machine, along with all the software required, are available on the Fab@Home website, and all designs, documents and software have been released for free