A knitting machine which "prints" 3d objects. Knitting machines produce 2D objects like sweaters, hosiery, etc. Advanced machines can produce some reasonably thick textures. But, I want a 3d printer which is fed something like a yarn and produces usable 3D objects like a toy teddy bear, a pair or knitted shoes, etc.

OK, this was more than a half-baked idea for me. I actually wrote a patent which has since lapsed: [see link --admin] Any thoughts?
-- arman0, Dec 01 2004

[arman0]'s link as a link http://patft.uspto....stani&RS=IN/bostani
Links go down here. [Worldgineer, Dec 01 2004]

[+] because you patented it. A lot of work needed to put together a patent, by the looks of the link....
-- not_only_but_also, Dec 01 2004


The trouble with US patents on textile methods is that the entire industry will soon be kaput. (And the same for most everything else, due to our insane trade policy.)
-- ldischler, Dec 01 2004


I totally want this. Especially if it can knit wire as well as cloth.
-- bathsheba, Dec 02 2004


I wonder if humans had evolved with three arms whether 3D knitting would be already commonplace; 3 needles: x y and Z axes.
-- stupop, Dec 02 2004



random, halfbakery