MakerBot's Incredible 3D Printed Lift-size Boat Motor

[Brian_Krassenstein]

MakerBot Product Designer Carlos Cruz showed off one of his incredible creations a couple of weeks ago at 3D Print Week in New York City. The object? A 3D printed 4-foot tall boat motor that is fully functioning (besides the energy source). If hand cranked the motor functioned perfectly, showing that we may be a lot closer to actual 3D printed functioning components like this than you may have thought. More details and images of this incredible design and print can be found here: http://3dprint.com/61000/3d-printed-boat-engine/


Below are a few pictures of this amazing 3d printed motor. What do you think? Anyone going to try printing this at home? If you do by any chance, post some pics below!

[soofle616]

How does this show that we are closer to functional components like this? It's a big and very detailed print to be sure but in no way is this thing even remotely functional as an internal combustion engine. It's still made from thermoplastic and last time i checked, thermoplastics have a nasty habit of melting when you heat them up.