NETHERLANDS firm Shapeways has expanded the concept of rapid manufacture beyond its traditional use in industrial design.
The company is a spin-off from Philips. It has launched an online service which allows customers to design items which are then manufactured using rapid prototype technology and shipped to them. Each item is priced at $US150 ($175).
Users can flip, turn and adjust virtual designs onscreen. So far, clocks, tools, character models, and miniature towns have been created using the service.
According to the service provider, prior skill in 3D computer aided design software can be useful, but optional. It says it is now building up a library of easy-to-use templates which cater for common requested objects.
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