Purdue professor helps improve 3-D printing

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - 3-D printing. Never heard of it? Turns out, it's actually been around for about 15 years.

Purdue Computer Graphics Professor Bedrich Benes said 3-D printing allows companies to print structural models on paper, without having to spend money on expensive materials such as metal.

Benes said the only problem is the 3-D objects would often collapse or fall apart when sent to purchasers. Benes said in 3-D printing, you pay for the amount of material used.

So, he said he's come up with a way to not only make the objects more durable, but cheaper for buyers.

"We came up with a technique to take the model and make it hollow and put supporting structures inside," said Benes. "So, you not only print it faster, it's lighter, and you also save money on material."

Benes said right now, a small 3-D object can take almost 20 hours to print.