Dutch designer Joris Laarman has created a 3D-printing robot that can draw intricate metal structures on almost any surface.
The MX3D-Metal is part printer, part welder, with a robotic arm that melts and sculpts a variety of metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze and copper, into freestanding designs.
Different types of 3D lines, like straight, curved or spiral, require different settings in order to be produced and can also be printed to intersect with each other or build up several separate lines at once.
The structures are able to defy gravity by adding small amounts of molten metal at time of production.
Laarman is currently using the technique to make a 3D-printed metal bench, however he believes the method can also be used 3D-printed architectural constructions and concrete reinforcements.
Ultimately, Laarman wants to create an interface that is simple enough for anyone to use, and that can print directly from computer aided design (CAD) software.
Courtesy Gizmag and Dezeen
