A self-replicating 3D printer that spawns new, improved versions of itself is in development at the University of Bath in the UK.

The "self replicating rapid prototyper" or RepRap could vastly reduce the cost of 3D printers, paving the way for a future where broken objects and spare parts are simply "re-printed" at home. New and unique objects could also be created.

Article Link:

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7165


Personally thought it interesting,but was abit concerned with the substances, such as lead he was using..
Kinda made me think.... "Hey, nice apartment, Bob! But why is everything lead-colored?"
"Well, didn't you check out my commercial 3D printer? I downloaded all my furnishings from Ikea last month. Just don't let your kids sit too long."

......wait, what?

Is that supposed to actually COPY a solid object? So, if i wanted to download some legos..... i could? That's...... odd....

Well, maybe we're one step closer to transporting humans across the internet

Man that is just awsome. You could like download pc parts and make them yourself. Or even better BEER!!!! now you never have to get up

sounds like a high tech Bridgeport machine.

PS: untill just now the only machine I knew of that could replicate its self was a Bridgeport Mill.

PPS: How does it work?? What kinda printer are we talking about?? Im still lucky if I dont run out of ink much less plastic and metal to make parts for my printer

Wow...that sounds like one of those replicators on Star Trek!!!