MIT team develops 3D printer that's 10x faster than comparable 3D printers
I wonder why they needed the laser pre-heater.  I can't imagine it is that dramatically more effective than resistive heating.  Even if it is, just having a longer pre-heater to make up for it would have to be cheaper.<p>EDIT: Did a bit of research, a major benefit of laser heating is direct control of energy transfer so you can be sure your heating the plastic to the right temperature regardless of how fast its moving through the heater.  Still, aren't all these advantages eliminated by the traditional primary heater immediately after?