<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Forget waiting weeks or months for your new home to be ready. Researchers from the University of Southern California created a 3D printer that can build a 2,500 square-foot house in 24 hours.\nSince 2008, Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis has led a research team in the creation and development of a new layered fabrication technology using 3D printing called Contour Crafting. Instead of using thermoplastics, a common material used in 3D printing, the robot applies layer after layer of concrete to construct straight and curved walls, as well as domes.\nSee also: 3D-Printed 'Bionic' Ear Can Hear Beyond Human Ability\n\nImage:  Contour CraftingThe process involves a giant robot with a hanging nozzle and a flexible arm on a gantry-type crane \u2014 the whole rig is known as a \"contour crafter\" \u2014 above the foundation. The contour crafter then proceeds to layer concrete based on a computer-generated pattern. The layers eventually take shape into walls, embedded with all the necessary conduits and passages for electricity, plumbing and air conditioning.\nThe research team envisions a future where contour crafters could be used for disaster relief to build emergency housing and to create affordable housing for those who are displaced, homeless or in desperate living conditions.\n\"At the dawn of the 21st century, [slums] are the condition of shelter for nearly one billion people in our world,\" Khoshnevis told MSN. \"These buildings are breeding grounds for disease \u2014 a problem of conventional construction which is slow, labor intensive and inefficient.\"\nAdditionally, they have their sights set on building structures and colonies on other planets as an answer to swelling planetary population problems. With current research funded by NASA and the Cal-Earth Institute, the team is investigating the application of Contour Crafting in building structures like landing pads, roads, hangers and habitats on the moon and Mars.\nBONUS: 20 Extraordinary 3D-Printed Gifts\n\n\n\n20 Extraordinary 3D-Printed Gifts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1. Typographical Chess Set\n\n\nChess may be an uber traditional board game, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to modernize it. In this set, the focal point of each piece's design is that particular piece's name.\nPrice: $135.07\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2. iPhone 5 Slimline Dock\n\n\nThis compact dock is designed to hold the ultra-slim iPhone 5, and two openings amplify sound in order to make playing music and video chatting better experiences.\nPrice: $31.15\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3. Rocket Espresso Cup\n\n\nGet the ultimate morning boost with this espresso cup.\nPrice: $39.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4. Dreamcatcher\n\n\nThis 3D-printed dreamcatcher is a cool alternative to traditional leather and feathers. \nPrice: $15.63\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5. Clothoid.A Lamp\n\n\nThis lamp will act as the innovative centerpiece of any room's design. The shade is created via a mathematical formula so that it can be adjusted in various positions. \nPrice: $360\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6. Miniature Ferris Wheel\n\n\nThis inventive little ferris wheel is a great addition to any office desk or tabletop. No assembly is required. Watch this video from Shapeways to learn more about how the mechanics work.\nPrice: $22.86\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7. iPhone Macro Lens\n\n\nDoes your smartphone photography lack detail? Improve your close-ups with this lens, which fits on iPhone 4 and 4S.\nPrice: $10.47\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8. Eggbot\n\n\nWhy settle for a boring breakfast? The Eggbot adds adventure to eating your soft-boiled egg, or could even serve as a holder when cooking.\nPrice: $30.62\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9. \"Atom\" Guitar\n\n\nOlaf Diegel, a professor of mechatronics at Massey University\u2019s School of Engineering &amp; Advanced Technology in New Zealand, developed a series of stunning 3D-printed guitars that are completely playable. The \"Atom\" guitar and other available models are beautifully intricate.\nIntroductory Price: $3,500\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10. Snowflame\n\n\nAdd a touch of the holiday season to any candle with the Snowflame candleholder.\nPrice: Approximately $16\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11. Escherian Head Earrings\n\n\nBased on M.C. Escher's Surrealist works of art (think Bond of a Union), these earrings are perfect for the fashionable artist or the eccentric dresser.\nPrice: $4.01 (each)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12. Klein Bottle Opener\n\n\nYou'll never have to use the edge of table again once you get this antique-looking bronze bottle opener.\nPrice: $78.00\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n13. Dragonbite Grip\n\n\nThis stainless steel pencil/pen grip has a sleek, ergonomic design.\nPrice: Approximately $50\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n14. Whistle Keychain\n\n\nMade out of brass, this whistle can help you in emergencies and looks great on your key ring.\nPrice: Approximately $50\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n15. N12 Bracelet\n\n\nThis fashionable bracelet is quite the conversation starter.\nPrice: $60\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n16. Octotwist Shot Glasses\n\n\nAdd some dimension to drinking with friends with these geometrically unique shot glasses.\nPrice: $27 (each)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n17. Inception Spinning Top\n\n\nThis spinning top is a replica of Cobb's totem from the blockbuster film Inception. It spins upwards of 90 seconds.\nPrice: $16.98\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n18. FreshFiber Samsung Galaxy S3 Case\n\n\nThere are a lot of 3D-printed accessories for Apple products, but that doesn't mean your Android devices can't share in the fun, too. FreshFiber's Macedonia case will protect your Samsung Galaxy S3 and make it look like a work of art.\nPrice: $45.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n19. Cufflinks\n\n\nYou can create custom cufflinks with Shapeways. Choose from several styles and shapes, and then personalize them with initials or numbers.\nPrice: $49\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n20. Merry Bird Ornament\n\n\nDeck the halls with this intricate and classy holiday ornament. The Merry Bird and its hinged swing are produced within the cage -- a design only made possible through 3D printing. \nPrice: $29\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2014/01/27/3d-printer-builds-house/>