The world’s largest 3D printer has successfully constructed a house, showcasing its potential to streamline construction processes by reducing time and labor.
Meanwhile, an even larger printer was recently unveiled in Maine, suggesting the possibility of constructing entire neighborhoods.
The University of Maine (UMaine) recently unveiled a new 3D printer, known as the Factory of the Future 1.0 (FoF 1.0), at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). This printer, surpassing its predecessor in size, aims to advance sustainable manufacturing across various industries. (Photo: University of Maine)
The Factory of the Future (FoF 1.0)
The University of Maine (UMaine) recently unveiled a new 3D printer, known as the Factory of the Future 1.0 (FoF 1.0), at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC).
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This printer, surpassing its predecessor in size, aims to advance sustainable manufacturing across various industries.
FoF 1.0 can print objects as large as 96 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high, with a printing speed of up to 500 pounds per hour.
This printer utilizes thermoplastic polymer and offers promising opportunities for eco-friendly and cost-effective manufacturing. It could be used in industries such as national security, affordable housing, bridge construction, and maritime vessel fabrication.
Substantial support from the Office of the Secretary of Defense through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made the development and fabrication of FoF 1.0 possible.
It is designed not only as a large-scale printer but also as a versatile system capable of dynamically switching between various manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, continuous tape layup, and robotic arm operations.
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New Research Frontiers
FoF 1.0’s capabilities extend beyond traditional manufacturing processes, offering new research opportunities in collaborative robotics operations, sensor integration, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence.
These advancements are expected to meet rigorous quality standards and drive innovation across multiple sectors.
“FoF 1.0 opens up new research frontiers to integrate these collaborative robotics operations at a very large scale with new sensors, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to create born-certified systems that meet high quality standards,” ASCC Executive Director Habib Dagher said in a press release statement.
The printer’s potential extends to developing biobased feedstocks from Maine’s abundant wood residuals. Initiatives such as BioHome3D aim to leverage this technology to create sustainable and affordable housing solutions while advancing lightweight structures and vessel technologies crucial for national security.
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“Maine needs an estimated 80,000 additional homes by 2030, many specifically for households with incomes at or below the area median income.
This new technology allows UMaine-ASCC to scale up its research and production of its innovative biobased 3D printed home technology,” said MaineHousing’s Development Director Mark Wiesendanger.
“This effort creates another means of producing quality affordable housing, while further driving costs down, and using abundant wood residuals from Maine’s sawmills.”
Related Article: ‘Chameleon Robots:’ These Robots Can Change Colors and Mimic Their Surroundings Through 3D Printing
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State police are searching for a 41-year-old man they say strangled his pregnant partner.
Dusty O’Brien is wanted for domestic violence aggravated assault, reckless conduct and violating conditions of release, state police said Wednesday. He is out on bail for a separate domestic violence arrest, according to police.
Police say O’Brien strangled his pregnant partner on Tuesday and fled his residence before police arrived.
He is known to frequent the Porter area and other parts of Oxford County.
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Time lapse video: Northern lights near Milwaukee, Wisconsin
See a time lapse video of the northern lights dance across the sky north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in Bayside on Thursday night.
Parts of the United States could be in for a magical Christmas sight: The Northern Lights.
Alaska and the northern Midwest states have the best chance of getting a glimpse of the dazzling sights, but the northern most reaches of New England may see it too, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. Based on maps they released, Maine has the best chance of seeing it tonight.
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It’s possible more New England states will get a view of the Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, tomorrow night when the view line dips down into Vermont and New Hampshire.
Map of where Northern Lights may be visible on Christmas 2024
Map: Where Northern Lights may be visible tomorrow
Christmas won’t be the only shot at seeing the Northern Lights from this storm. NOAA is predicting a broader swath will be able to see the Northern Lights tomorrow night, including parts of New Hampshire and Vermont.
How to see the northern lights
The best time to see an aurora is when it’s dark out, usually between an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA. Officials recommend getting away from city lights and sticking to lower latitudes.
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“There may be aurora in the evening and morning but it is usually not as active and therefore, not as visually appealing,” NOAA said.
Where to check the northern lights forecast
To track the latest northern lights forecast, check out these websites:
Are the northern lights dangerous?
The solar storms that cause the northern lights can affect technology by inducing extra currents in the ground that can degrade power grid operations, according to NOAA.
DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine (WABI) – Visitation for a popular Maine singer and songwriter who died earlier this month will be held in Dover-Foxcroft next week.
Lary Funeral Home announced that visitation for David Mallett, a Piscataquis County native, will be held Monday, December 30th from 4PM to 7PM.
Mallet died at the age of 73 on December 17th after battling cancer.
The funeral homes announcement said that family, friends, and the local community are invited.
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Mallett began his music career at the age of 11 when he started singing in a folk duo with his older brother, Neil.
He started writing his own songs while studying acting at the University of Maine.
His most well-known song was “The Garden Song” which was recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary, John Denver, Pete Seeger, and The Muppets.
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