molding

Consumer 3D printers definitely have their uses, but they're typically limited to printing rigid objects … and doing so pretty slowly. The Saltgator, on the other hand, allows you to crank out rubbery injection-molded items in a claimed 10 minutes.

Scientists have created “acoustic holograms” that can assemble matter into 3D objects, using just sound. The technique works with various types of particles and even living cells, allowing for a new kind of 3D printing that’s fast and contact-free.

Injection molding is the widely preferred method for shaping plastic medical components, but now a new type of machine promises to slash energy and materials costs. Ultrasion's Sonorous 1G uses ultrasound to produce highly targeted and efficient heating to melt its plastic base material.