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McGill Researchers Unveil 3-D Ice Printer, Make Frosty Beer Steins

by Matthew Zuras on May 3, 2010 at 11:07 AM

Devoted Switched readers will already know that we've been following the development of 3-D printing technology pretty closely -- from our challenge to Design Glut with the DIY MakerBot printer, to byAMT Studio's jewelry work, to Unfold's experiments with ceramics and virtual potters' wheels, to Organovo's human tissue generator and even a 3-D skin printer. What can those crazy 3-D enthusiasts think of next? Well, hey, why not ice?

Researchers at McGill University [Ed. Note: managing editor Leila Brillson's alma mater!] have taken a Fab@Home hobbyist 3-D printer, and modified it to print ice. This is quite a feat considering that ice, unlike ceramic or synthetic materials, is not known for its plastic qualities. But the McGill team has successfully extruded a number of small sculptures, and even a beer mug, from the hacked printer.

The group hopes to apply ice-printing techniques to architectural modeling in place of more permanent materials. Of course, this would require architecture firms to incorporate their own walk-in freezers to give presentations to clients, but the McGill team seems more interested in process than logistics. After all, Canada does love its ice. Still, it's yet another win for 3-D printing. And maybe you'll be printing out ice steins for the keggers of your future. [From: Boing Boing, via: Engadget]

Tags: 3-dPrinter, 3dPrinter, 3dPrinting, canada, ice, IceSculpting, McgillUniversity, printing, top

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