Huge Aluminum 3D Print From X Line 1000R Printer

I am always fascinated by the scaling of technologies, especially 3D printing. We already know that a couple Chinese companies are fighting it out to print structures that are dozens of feet in all directions. As we wait, this was a pretty big metal piece which was 3D printed by a German Company called Concept Laser. The piece is a gear housing 3d printed from aluminum powder at a rate of 50cm³/h. The dimensions area 18.7 X 14.4 X 18.9 inches, and it was all printed in one large piece. The printer used is the X line 1000R system, and can actually print parts which are even bigger. Sure this may pale in comparison to what the Chinese are planning over the next year or two, but it is still very impressive.

http://www.3ders.org/images/concept-...rge-part-1.jpg

Here is a look at the X Line 1000R system from Concept laser:
http://www.industriallaser.com.au/im...e_03050422.jpg