As part of a research project a Amsterdam student team for TU Delft has developed a fully functional 3D printed stainless steel Bicycle called Arc Bicycle ($NFS). The design was a proof concept to show what could be done with the MX3D method of printing metal.
The method used called WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) and is based on MIG welding techniques combined with robotic arms which are used for the 3D printers.
When I think of 3D printing, the picture of an enclosed box always came to mind. Even when there was talk of using the technology to build homes, its always been the same image that came to mind just on a larger scale.
The realization that 3D printing can be accomplished with any tool that can be programmed to follow a specific pattern is eye opening.
The golden egg for me has always been the application of 3D printing to textiles, and this revelation makes that reality seem all more feasible.
