Solar-powered Stirling engine using almost entirely 3D printed parts

German engineer Andreas Haeuser built a solar-powered Stirling engine using almost entirely 3D printed parts.

It uses heat to turn a flywheel. While many types of Stirling engines require hot water to run, Haeuser's model relies on solar power, using optional reflectors to concentrate the solar energy and increase efficiency. The resulting engine can be used for things like pumping water or generating electricity.

Aside from the commonly available nuts and bolts used to assemble the parts, all of the pieces of Haeuser's engine can be produced using a  3D printer and different forms of plastic.

 He sells the schematic files for just €10

 Find out more : reprap-windturbine

Korean plastics manufacturer BnK unveils new anti-microbial 3D printing PLA filament 'Purement'

BnK (Books and Kimchi) have just announced a new line of PLA filament that has anti-microbial properties. They believe this filament, called Purement, is the first of its kind and is perfect for use in homes with children and in schools.

While you could argue about the point of introducing kids as young as eight or ten years old about 3D printing, the concept behind this filament is very clever. Anti-microbial substances kill or inhibit the growth of a vast number of bacteria, and Purement itself has been extensively tested for these properties.

According to company studies, Purement has been proven to eliminate 99% of staphylococcus aureus and colon bacillus bacteria in laboratory tests and also prevents them from spreading, thus helping to reduce the risk of infections, BnK reveals.

Find out more : 3ders.org

What’s next in 3D printing "TED Talks"

Just like his beloved grandfather, Avi Reichental is a maker of things. The difference is, now he canuse 3D printers to make almost anything, out of almost any material. Reichental tours us through the possibilities of 3D printing, for everything from printed candy to highly custom sneakers.

The video is available here : TED