OmniDynamics, the Bristol based startup and resident of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, is showing off its new affordable 3D printer ink creator Strooder by creating custom contents for a fish tank out of entirely 3D (and non-toxic) parts.
“It was actually cheaper to print all the parts than to buy in standard pieces from a pet store…”
The team have used Strooder to bring the tank to life, demonstrating their tool can create truly custom colours in their 3D creations. They hope to use this fun project to help demonstrate potential uses for the device, and 3D printing in general.
The Future: Don’t eat the robot goldfish
All the pieces were made with ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) meaning they’re non-toxic and safe to use in a real fish tank. As Operations Director Stephen Lloyd tells us “There is no reason that real fish could not be put in the tank, the parts are all made from abs and would be non-toxic, however as we intend to take the tank to 3D print shows and events we think it would be kinder on the fish if they were robotic, this also allows us to encourage people to tap on the glass to activate them.”
“By using Strooder, 3D printing everyday items becomes not just an affordable option but a more desirable option”
OmniDynamics aims to make 3D printing a realistic option for the home environment by letting people create and recycle their own customer filament (the ‘ink’ used in 3D printing).
As Stephen explains: “The cost of Strooder filament is approximately 4 times less than standard filament meaning budget is no longer a worry with printing. It was actually cheaper to print all the parts than to buy in standard pieces from a pet store… By using Strooder, 3D printing everyday items becomes not just an affordable option but a more desirable option.”
If you’d like to learn more about OmniDynamics you can read our profile on them, visit the OmniDynamics website or catch up with them on twitter @OmniDynamicsLTD. While you’re there why not keep up on all the latest and greatest tech news with us @TechSPARKuk.
To see more impressive tech projects which originate in the West of England, why not check out Venturefest Bristol & Bath on 9 June.
