Now that 3D printers are available to the public for less than $1,000, we can expect to see more of them in households, offices and schools than ever before. Looking for ideas of what to print? Metro is here to get you started with five things you didn’t know are 3D-printable:
1. Pizza
Last year, a mechanical engineer won a grant to design a 3D printer that could print food for astronauts in space for long periods of time, reported The Verge. He succeeded, and created a printer that cooks a pizza, complete with crust, cheese and a “protein layer” to keep NASA’s finest healthy and strong.
2. Sex toys
You can now stick it to Russian leader Vladimir Putin with a butt plug.
Credit: Fernando Sosa
3D-printed butt plugs in the shapes of Russian leader Vladimir Putin and “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson are now available for pre-order. Using these is arguably the best way to get back at the homophobic pair.
Urban Hubs, a recycling project, uses 3D printing for a good cause.
Credit: Miles Dixon/Metro
If you’re looking for a way to use 3D printing to help your neighborhood, Urban Hubs might be your best bet. These recycling bins for bottles and cans help canners make a living and keep trash off the street while letting you participate in a global movement.
4.Weapons
Functioning handguns have been created using 3D printing.
Credit: Reuters
Some people have figured out how to create functioning guns using 3D printers. These illegal, metal-free weapons are difficult to detect through airport security baggage scans and evade the licensing restrictions required by American gun shops. At least you still need to buy the ammunition … for now.
Did you know you can 3D print yourself for only $40?
Credit: Miles Dixon/Metro
5.Yourself
A store in New York City allows customers to create figurines of themselves for only $40 a pop. In addition to a 3D printer, they use 3D scanning technology that combines digital photography with an infrared sensor to ensure your 3.5-inch action figure really looks like you.
