A 3D printer attachment created by Stanford University graduate students is capable of printing functioning circuitry inside a game controller, Computerworld reports.
It's called the Rabbit Proto, and it's designed to fit different versions of RepRap printers — machines that can print their own components. According to project student Alex Jais, the Rabbit "enables 3D printers to deposit conductive material along with traditional plastic."
"The conductive material can be embedded within the 3D model and printed in the same 3D printing process," Jais told Computerworld.
The Rabbit Proto is an open source project, meaning users can make additions and tweak it as wanted. According to the prototype's website, the Rabbit is intended to help designers and makers speed up their prototyping and ideation process. A video, which you can watch above, quickly demonstrates the highlights of the process, from designing the controller through computer programs to wiring and putting it to the test.
The Rabbit Proto is currently available for pre-order through its website. The add-on itself is $350, while buyers can also pick up the add-on and extrusion plug-in for $450. The fully assembled, "ready-to-go" 3D printer is available for $2,499. Units are expected to ship this summer.
