3-D printers can make it as easy to create small objects out of plastic as it is to print text on a sheet of paper. But until recently, they cost a few thousand dollars, putting them of the reach of crafting enthusiasts. Now a wave of open source desktop prototyping devices such as Makerbot and RepRap are trying to change that. They are fairly inexpensive and backed by a robust community that is happy to share designs, tips and mods. Hobbyists call it ‘having China on your desktop.’

via 3-D Printers Make Manufacturing Accessible | Gadget Lab | Wired.com.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Is RepRap the future for downloading? (en.onsoftware.com)
• 3D Printing and Self Replicating Machines In Your Living Room – Seriously! (singularityhub.com)
• Do You Want a MakerBot or RepRap 3D Printer? (chris.pirillo.com)
• 3D printing summit this weekend in Providence + MakerBot raffle (makezine.com)

http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js