Mataerial 3D Printer Defies Gravity
This new 3D printing technology is indeed the stuff of science fiction. Current 3D printing processes, as impressive as they are, require a flat tray or build surface to work. But the Mataerial 3D printer seems to have found a way around that: it creates structures on almost any surface with any inclination, including walls.
Invented by Saša Jokić and Petr Novikov from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, Mataerial uses a robotic arm to create gravity-defying, free-flowing 3D designs that do not need a support structure.
This is possible due to a technique called anti-gravity object modeling. The Mataerial differs from other 3D printers in that it doesn’t print designs by placing thin filament layers on a horizontal tray. Instead, it pushes thermosetting polymers out through a muzzle, just like a toothpaste tube.
The thermosetting polymers harden almost immediately, thus creating a solid printed structure that is not affected by gravity. This means that almost anything can become a work surface to the Mataerial, with no support structures needed.
The designers have not yet revealed what type of polymers they are using. They say the 3D printer can create objects as small as 1 mm and as large as any conventional industrial printer. The size of the object is ultimately determined by the reach of the robotic arm. The arm’s movement will also help create objects with more natural curves.
The Mataerial is also able to adjust the color of its printed designs in real time, by injecting cyan, magenta, yellow and black color die into the polymers. The polymer flow can be thinned or thickened by adjusting the speed of the robotic arm.
Mataerial 3D printer’s designers are planning to further develop the device in order to manufacture usable furniture or architecture in the near future. The anti-gravity modeling technology could have numerous applications by allowing users to create or repair structures in all kinds of environments, including in outer space.
Check out the video to see the Mataerial in action:
Mataerial Introduction from Mataerial on Vimeo.
[Image via Gizmag]
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Controversial Shadow Warrior Remake on Its Way
For those of you who remember the video games of the 1990s, you may have crossed paths at a certain point with a strange, violent and blatantly rude first person shooter called Shadow Warrior.
Although widely criticized for racism and cultural insensitivity, the game remains a cult classic. And it’s now getting a makeover for PC and next generation consoles.
Hellish demons and cherry blossom. Definitely no stereotyping in this one.
Initially launched in 1997, Shadow Warrior was developed by 3D Realms and published by Devolver Digital. The game was created much in the vein of 3D Realms’ tacky action title yet smash hit Duke Nukem 3D, but was slammed for representing Asian society and culture in an insensitive and inauthentic manner.
Developers rejected the criticism, maintaining that their game was designed to parody bad kung-fu movies that were already full of racial Asian stereotyping. The criticism however continued and forever tarnished the reputation of the game.
However, Shadow Warrior remains one of the most popular FPS titles of the 1990s, offering a mix of action and supernatural elements spiced up with main protagonist Lo Wang’s tongue-in-cheek humor and insolent one-liners.
And it seems this popularity is what drove Devolver Digital to remaking the game. The publisher will be working with developer Flying Wild Hog on the Shadow Warrior remake, which will see the leading character face more or less the same challenges.
A major change is that instead of battling some corrupt corporate president – Master Zilla, bent on dominating Japan and the entire world, the new Lo Wang will have to track down a legendary blade. But not to worry, he will still have to face dangerous demons from another dimension in order to be successful.
Players will be aided by AI in the form of a banished spirit called Hoji, which will give supernatural abilities to Lo. Like in the original game, Lo will have access to a wide arsenal, starting from his favorite katana and ending with rocket launchers and cool spells.
Developers promised that this version of the Shadow Warrior will not be insulting and announced that more details and a better look of the game will arrive at the E3. The all-new Shadow Warrior will not feature a multiplayer mode and is expected to be released for PC this fall, followed by next-generation console versions in 2014.
Check out the teaser trailer below:
[Image via Getgamesgo]
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