University start-up reveals world’s first all-in-one compact 3D printer and rotary scanner

A start-up from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has unveiled a compact all-in-one 3D printer and scanner at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in California.

The Genesis 3D printer and scanner from Blacksmith Group was on display at the scientific conference yesterday, 15 February.

The user-friendly all-in-one 3D printer and scanner has been designed to make 3D printing easy and accessible for users without the need for extensive knowledge of 3D design software.

Using its patent-pending revolving platform, the Blacksmith Genesis can perform a 360-degree scan of an object, creating a digitised model that can then be edited on the computer before printing in 3D.

This process means users don’t need to design objects from scratch using 3D software, but can instead use existing objects as a starting point.

The 5MP camera takes about six minutes to scan an object and the printer can produce detailed reproductions with a fine resolution of 50 micrometres.

Users can even monitor the entire process remotely on a smartphone using the system’s built-in camera, giving them control over the printing process and capacity for error detection from anywhere there is an internet connection.

^{Photo via Blacksmith Group}

Crowdfunding success

Pre-orders are now being accepted for the 6kg compact all-in-one encased in black aluminium.

Blacksmith Group financed production of its first batch of Genesis printers through crowdfunding on Indiegogo. Following a successful campaign last August, the team raised more than US$80,000 and the first batch of printer-scanner combos will start shipping next month to these early backers.

For those who missed the chance for early bird offers, Genesis will cost US$2,200, shipping to 70 countries worldwide for a flat rate of US$150.