I know, I know. After The Objet 1000 video, there was a hole in your soul that could only be filled by oddly informative, yet disturbing videos delivering the future of 3d printing in oddly informative, yet disturbing ways (emphasis on disturbing). While it lacks the sing-along qualities we desire, this new 3D Systems video delivers the totally weird, disturbing vibe, plus shows how 3D printing is faster than injection molding.



It begins with our character asking, “Will 3D printing ever, in a million years, be faster than good ol’ injection molding?” Then, it just gets weird. Maybe it’s the script writing or scene transitions, maybe it’s the look from the receptionist or the autoplaying iPad mini in a manilla envelope, or perhaps it’s the disembodied voice that lists off benefits of 3D printing while he drinks from the water fountain. You tell us.

You know that receptionist is all like, “Mmmm-hmmmm, 3d printing hater, nobody got time for that.”

Yep, she is. Our character continues his quest. How could 3d printing (or any) technology improve? As the random gent in the waiting area says, “Lots of R&D, better material, more powerful lasers, bigger machines. There’s lots more at work. We’re doubling 3D printer capabilities every 18 months.”

You know whenever someone plays the ‘Laser’ card, they mean business. Pretty much all he had to say was LASERS, or even LAZERZZZ. Argument. Over. Of course, graphs always seal the argument a little better, and this one shows that injection molding is a “mature technology… not getting any faster.”

A joke, right? The angle of blue lines rarely overtakes the angle of red lines. Well, if you’re still in doubt, pull out the big guns, and by big guns I mean 2,400 mini-lightshades printed on an SLA machine, in about 20 hours–30 seconds per part.

Yes, beyond the weirdness, that’s where it gets interesting, because most are only thinking of 3d printing single parts. What if you’re printing hundreds or thousands of parts at a time? Touché, 3D Systems, touché. You keep doubling your technology every 18 months and, in the meantime, producing weird, yet oddly informative, videos.

Thanks to JF for sending this in, who one day dreams of starring in the next video from 3D Systems.