Forget expensive diamonds, now you can PRINT engagement rings at home (but your partner may not be too impressed)
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Peering at rows of engagement rings to find the perfect design may soon be a thing of the past.
3D printing group, MakerBot, has released a new app that will allow anyone to print a customised engagement ring to the perfect size and shape.
The Brooklyn-based company said the app is so simple to use, even people without technical knowledge can easily design jewellery in 3D.
3D printing group, MakerBot, has released an app that will allow anyone to print a customised engagement ring to the perfect size and shape on any of its printers - including the Replicator Mini (pictured). The Brooklyn-based company said the app lets users without technical knowledge to design a ring in 3D
That design is then sent wirelessly to a MakerBot 3D printer, such as the £999 ($1,700) Replicator Mini, according to a report by Pocket Lint.
The 3D printer builds up the ring, or any design, using layers of material.
Like a traditional inkjet printer, the material - usually plastic - is laid down on a base. Further layers are printed on top, gradually revealing the end product.
The design menu on the app (pictured) prints a two-part model - which can be an engagement ring or any other shape - that lets the users choose they you want on the top. Crucially, the free app also lets anyone change the finger size of rings to fit their future fiancée perfectly
Crucially, the free app also lets anyone change the finger size to fit their future fiancée perfectly.
But unless you want to give your intended a plastic ring, the design will then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond equivalent.
It's the latest move by the 3D-printing community to make the technology, also known as rapid prototyping, available in the home.
Many believe it could even lead to 'mini factories' for living rooms allowing consumers to print anything they want - from a bracelet. to a replacement part for a broken household appliance.
As well as rings and other jewellery, the software lets users create hundreds of other objects from their own designs, or from designs created by other users.
Open-source software tool, Thingverse, for instance, can be used by designers to share their creations with anyone on the internet.
Makerbot said the app will be available via the iTunes stores in the near future.
However, unless users want to give their intended a plastic ring (stock image pictured), the design will then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond equivalent
Put the internet to work for you.
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