3D printing is not quite what we would call a mainstream application, but the creation of realistic plastic models of products using a "printer" is becoming more popular with more businesses, product and marketing managers, designers and engineers as well as universities.

3D Systems, a Valencia, Calif.-based manufacturer of 3D printer now has announced to substantially reduce the price for its entry-level printer model, which should make the technology available to a broader range of potential customers. Instead of $23,000, the desktop-sized InVision LD now sells for $14,900. According to the manufacturer, the sub $15,000 price tag makes the device the industry's "most affordable" 3D printer.

"Our new price point combined with our recently announced InVision LD 30% speed enhancement offers an even more productive and cost-effective desktop 3-D Printer for the earliest stages of product design, enabling more and more designers, engineers and marketers to build more parts faster," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer in a prepared statement.

3D systems said that the printer builds "complex geometrical shapes for communication and concept modeling applications" by fusing, masking and trimming layers of thermoplastic into solid parts. The system delivers dry parts and creates shapes that do not require post processing.

Source : Tom's Hardware US