The 3-D printer can also be used like a copying machine when used in conjunction with a scanner. Gentle Giant Studios uses large, full-body sized laser scanning units to scan actors dressed in their movie roles and then send those files to printers which can then produce a clone in any scale desired. This is used a lot in toy work today. I own some miniatures of cast members of Star Wars, as well as some different heads copies of Samuel Jackson (I wanted to be able to show them but discovered they are packed away in storage) so it can be a really cool device to use in so many ways.

As the science gets better the replication of anything will, too, to the point where it will be cheaper to buy a scanner to copy objects than to use silicone to mold them.

When I was first introduced to this process I showed my dad and explained how it worked his eyes glazed over and a grin of disbelief took shape on his face; it was a moment to remember. He immediately could see the possibilities of what this technology could do, and it is truly amazing.

For more information, do a search for 3-D rapid prototyping on the internet and you will find multitudes of info on the subject.

Happy Father's day to all the Dads out there and until next month get out there explore, create, and try new things!