Ian Smith, Monash University's vice-provost for research, said it was very different to the melting, molding and carving of the past.
“This way we can very quickly get a final product, so the advantages of this technology are, firstly, for rapid prototyping and making a large number of prototypes quickly,” he said. “Secondly, for being able to make bespoke parts that you wouldn't be able to with classic engineering technologies.”