A long, long time ago I wrote an article on RepRap, a self-replicating rapid prototyping machine. It could theoretically work with metals (metal clays) ceramics, plastics, and probably way more than that. I wondered if it would at some point be possible to create processors using this technology. I know years ago I read about how it was possible to print LCD screens onto clear plastic sheets using a standard inkjet printer. (can’t find a link, sorry) Not that it’s been sold anywhere, I think it was mainly a “proof of concept” thing.

Well, now it looks like there’s technology that can print transistors to be used in memory and logical chips. The article is from November of last year, so I’m a little behind the curve, but it’s news to me. The coolest thing about this is, we already have an Open Source movement in software–free software created and maintained by it’s users. Eventually we’ll see a huge Open Spec movement, designs created and maintained within a community of it’s users. Okay, we already have that with RepRap, and many other projects, I’m sure. However, it won’t be until 3d printers and the like get as common as computers are now that the movement will explode as the Open Source movement has, and you’ll have huge databases of instructions to make millions of different devices. I can’t wait.