Compact 3D printer lets you create your own toys

3D printers for rapid prototyping concept designs are typically seen as huge chunky machines that sit in one corner of the room and are used only when needed.

Objet's latest device, the Alaris30 not only fits on desktops (well, some of them), it can also churn out 600x600dpi objects with movable parts.

The Alaris30 is one of the smallest 3D printers on the market.
(Credit: Objet)

Measuring 825x620x590mm, the Alaris30 is network-enabled to allow sharing among designers. The company's proprietary PolyJet Photopolymer Jetting Technology will render 600x600dpi objects out of resin with two print-heads, and if they have moving components, the machine can create them, too.

When a 3D file is received, the printer will feed the appropriate amount of resin into the tray and the two print-heads get to work by "carving" out the structure of the product. Once that is done, the resin is cured so it can be used immediately once out of the printer.

While its footprint is small enough to put on bigger desks, make sure your tabletops can support at least 83kg of weight because that's how heavy the Alaris 30 is. Other than making prototypes, Gundam fanboys can also create their own robot model kits.

So far there is no word on pricing or availability. See Objet's website for more information on the Alaris 30.