University Lands World's Largest Polymer 3D Printer

It is so big it can produce objects up to 100 feet long.

The world's largest 3D printer.
The world's largest 3D printer.
UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center

ORONO, Maine (AP) — The 3D printer that's being revealed at the University of Maine isn't for the home office.

The world's largest polymer 3D printer is so big it can produce objects up to 100 feet long. The university will demonstrate its capabilities Thursday by showing off a 25-foot, 5,000-pound patrol boat that was printed at the UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center.

Habib Dagher, founding director of the composites center, says it's the largest 3D-printed boat. He says it's the largest 3D printer, as well.

He said it can consume to 500 pounds of plastic polymer pellets per hour and is far larger than one at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. He said Guinness World Records will be on hand Thursday to confirm the records.

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