Then there's that rapid modeller in the X-Men movie-it created instant maps and models out of an array of tiny rods. No undercuts (negative draft angles) but it would be an effective instant molding/forming tool. I've given a lot a thought on how to build the miniature actuators for the rods in such an array. Miniaturized hydraulic, pneumatic or solenoid driven rods come to mind with an integral linear position encoder. Threaded shafts driven by small armatures on ballnuts are also an option.
Mike Doty
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
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