Nikola Stupar and Neven Berendika, seniors of Electro – technical High School „Nikola Tesla“ in Banja Luka, winners of this year’s innovation fair „Inost Mladih 2014“, succeeded in constructing a 3D printer, that is usually amounted thousands of Euros, for only 500 KM.
For their successful invention these young innovators won the first prize of 100 KM.
„Basically these printers exist worldwide and are very expensive. We came to the idea to make a printer that is cheaper and one that anyone can have for less money. I think that the most benefit from this printer could have factories which make prototypes of their own models. This way, they would get to see how their model looks. “, noted Berendika.
USAGE OF THE PRINTER
They added that this kind of printer can be mostly used for making jewelry.
„The dimensions of the printer are 20×20 cm and it could be used for better presentation of someone’s products. On „Inost“ we had our first public appearance and presentation of this printer and people showed great interest for it. We won first place for best work among the participating high schools and we are really pleased. I hope the people will show interest for the printer in the future so that we could estimate its commercial value“, said Berendika.
WE RECIEVED OFFERS FOR THE INNOVATION
He mentioned that they received offers from some companies for their innovation.
„We got a number of offers and we will think about them. They would request from us that we make prototype parts for them. Today it really pays out to be an innovator, because there is a possibility of progress if you get noticed by someone. One who has the will, ambition and time, always manages to achieve something“, stated Berendika.
Stupar admitted that their parents helped them in this innovation.
„Our parents helped us to make a printer which has a lot of advantages. It takes up the space as one laptop would, and it can use two kinds of plastic, like ABS, which is used to make LEGOs, and we have PLA plastic, which is made from sugar derivates“, explained Stupar.
CHEAPER VERSION OF A PRINTER
Their printer is a cheaper version, but the principle is the same as with commercial printers.
„Commercial printers cost tens of thousands of Euros and they really can’t be afforded by people who want to start up their own business“, said Stupar.
He noted that this printer is environmentally friendly.
„This kind of printer preserves the environment and it doesn’t harm it, as it has no harmful properties. The plastic that we work with is safe for children and animals. Everyone should strive to be innovator if they feel that is what they want. Neven and I are true innovator from eighth grade, when we made our kind of electric transformer, that was cheaper and more affordable“, Stupar concluded.
TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION
A scientist in the area of innovation Andreas Nef noted that 3D printers are the new technological revolution.
„You don’t have to get your hands dirty, nor do you need to run to the stores asking for a an apare part for your washing- machine, and people get more free time. In that way it is also a spiritual revolution“, said Nef.
(Source: Nezavisne Novine)