Perth's 3-D scene on the up
The use of 3-D printing is gathering momentum across Perth, with growing numbers of businesses - and even a resources company - investing in the fast-moving technology.
Working out of a tiny office in Fremantle, Angus Deveson and Jon Snelgrove are front-and-centre of the brave new world of 3-D printing, through what they say is Perth's first 3-D printing cafe.
Working in the ilk of an old photo developer, the duo, from the aptly titled 3-D Printing Studios, have ideas or designs pitched to them, which they transfer into a format that can be printed - sometimes overnight - by their 3-D machines.
And in what is believed to be a first, they offer punters an opportunity to come in off the street and play with a basic form of the technology in the "3-D café".
A number of businesses around Perth offer the service for products such as models - generally used by architects or builders - and the creation of prototypes for entrepreneurs or inventors.
To highlight its scope, graphite explorer Kilbaran Resources yesterday entered into a memorandum of understanding with Queensland-based 3-D Group to investigate the application of graphite in the 3-D printing market.
The two companies will establish a joint research and development company, 3-D Graphtech Industries, which will attempt to patent graphite applications for 3-D printing.
Although it is in its infancy in WA, the technology gained notoriety around the world when a US-based company created a gun through 3-D printing last year.
Mr Deveson, who moved from Sydney to help launch 3-D Printing Studios' Perth office a month ago, said though it would draw the line at anything illegal, it was open to most projects.
"The sex trade and guns are a no-no," he said with a chuckle. "It's still in its beginnings here but I think 3-D printing will become more mainstream in the future as the technology improves in line with demand."
When _WestBusiness _visited the small business, a number of potential clients called with unique pitches.
One wanted the duo to help him build a model of how a proposed apartment development would impact upon his home and another had plans for a prototype of a new speaker.
