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Bentley uses 3D printing to prototype new designs [w/Video]

3D printing is changing the way the world makes things by helping people of all disciplines to enhance and refine their ideas cheaply, quickly and effectively.  Bentley is the latest carmaker to utilize the technology to fabricate and prototype different parts to see how they'll look and work on the finished design. Using 3D printers, designers can produce parts from the exterior and interior such as the grille, tires, headlamps and door handles as well as combine different types of contrasting materials, ranging from hard plastics to rubbers of different tensile strengths.  The technology allows the user to create a solid 3D object straight from a digital model by printing layers of material on top of each other. This process rapidly decreases the delivery time, as parts can be printed overnight, and allows designers to be more creative in their ideas because of the reduced cost. Bentley isn't the first carmaker to use 3D printing technology. Audi announced last year it was beginning to prototype vehicle parts using 3D printers.

Malaysian Grand Prix: Hamilton quickest in Friday practice as McLaren & Mercedes dominate

McLaren quickest in practice for 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton put the disappointment of Australia behind him to dominate Friday practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix. The opening F1 Grand Prix of the year in Australia last week saw McLaren take an impressive first and third with Jenson Button doing his best Alain Prost imitation to dominate proceedings, with team-mate Hamilton managing third after a poor start. But Hamilton’s grumpy face on the podium in Melbourne said it all – not a start to the new season McLaren’s ‘senior’ driver wanted.

RTT Student Awards contest launched

Students from around the world have been invited to enter the annual RTT Student Award, sponsored by NVIDIA and Wacom. RTT has called for submissions of visionary ideas and concepts to enter in the categories of ‘Emerging Technology' and ‘Funky Visualization,' with an expert judging panel deciding on the highest caliber submissions. Winning students will present their project at Excite 2012, RTT's showcase for cutting-edge innovation and technology in the world of 3D real-time visualization.