Though building 3-D models for school projects can be fun, they take a lot of time and to make matters worse, sometimes don't quite turn out the way you had envisioned them. Wouldn't it be cool it you could simply 'print' them? Believe it or not, now you can!

Manufactured by Burlington, MA based Z-corporation, the printer is powerful enough to create even moveable models and has been used to 'print' things ranging from characters for Pixar's Toy Story 3 to actual tools like wrenches and hammers. it is also popular with architects looking to create 3-D models of future construction projects and university students testing out engineering and scientific ideas. What's even more amazing is that the models or tools emerge in vibrant color, if needed

To create the 3-D model, the user has to do exactly the same thing as when printing on a conventional printing machine - Scan or sketch the image of the required object onto a computer, hit print and then simply kick back and watch the magic happen. Using a proprietary 'secret' white powder the machine begins to replicate the desired model to the exact specifications that have been scanned in. Of course, given the complexity of the task, it does take some time - A few hours for a tool like a wrench and maybe even a couple of days for a huge 3-D construction project. But, the end result, which simply has to be pulled out of the machine is not only amazing, but according to users, also cost effective.

As you have probably guessed by now, the printer which costs over $25,000 USD is not in the budget range of most households. But, it has certainly garnered many fans in the commercial and educational world - And, may even make its way to Space some day so that astronauts can just replace worn-out tools or small parts by 'printing' them - Pretty awesome!

Resources: zcorp.com, gajitz.com