A laser - assisted 3D printer that works 10-times after than other methods has been developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) researchers . While problems are common in many 3D printers , the most common – fused deposition modelling ( FDM ) printers – use heater cartridges in the printheads to melt plastic . MIT engineers have now developed a FDM printer that uses a screw mechanism to cut through plastic filament at high force and then a laser to rapidly melt it . The speed improvement means that 3D printing will be viable for production as well as display , they said .
A laser-assisted 3D printer that works 10-times after than other models has been developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers. While lasers are common in many 3D printers, the most common – fused deposition modelling (FDM) printers – use heater cartridges in the printheads to melt plastic. MIT engineers have now developed a FDM printer that uses a screw mechanism to feed through plastic filament at high force and then a laser to rapidly melt it. The speed improvement means that 3D printing will be viable for production as well as prototyping, researchers said.