9 Amazing 3D-Printed Innovations Spotted at the 2013 Inside 3D Printing Expo

The <a href="http://www.javitscenter.com/">Jacob Javits Center</a> was transformed into a veritable 3D printing factory over the past few days for the <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/inside3dprinting/?c=mbprel">Inside 3D Printing Conference and Expo</a>, the first tradeshow of its kind. Though the expo was small in size, it was packed with the latest <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=3d+printing">3D printing</a> technologies and equipment as well as innovative new ways to use them. If you missed the conference, don't sweat it. We've rounded up all of our favorite finds in a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/9-amazing-3d-printed-innovations-spotted-at-the-2013-inside-3d-printing-expo/3d-printer-that-uses-paper/">neat (albeit 2D) slideshow</a> for you, so click <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/9-amazing-3d-printed-innovations-spotted-at-the-2013-inside-3d-printing-expo/3d-printer-that-uses-paper/">here</a> to see them all.

One of the most interesting things we came across at the show was <a href="http://www.mcortechnologies.com/">Mcor Technologies</a>' IRIS paper-based 3D printer, which uses regular paper as its base material rather than a plastic or a polymer.

The resulting 3D models are cut out and bonded together in the machine, creating durable figures for a fraction (about 20 to 30 times cheaper) than other non paper-based machines.

The Mcor IRIS.

If simply 3D-printing on your 3D-printer isn't enough for you, <a href="http://leonar3do.com/index.php/en/products">Leonar3do</a> allows you to use a 3D mouse and 3D glasses to create your design as well.

For those of us who want to partake in all that 3D-printing has to offer but don't actually want to purchase a machine,<a href="http://www.sculpteo.com/en/"> Sculpteo</a> is a service that allows you to upload your own designs, like this phone case, and creates them for you.

Look closely - this 3D-printed guitar body (created on a <a href="http://www.cubify.com/cubex/">Cube X machine</a>) hides a special surprise - the NYC skyline and other NYC landmarks tucked peek out from its red, white and blue facade.

Those who enjoy giving creepy gifts will adore 3D Systems' new <a href="http://cubify.com/store/3dme.aspx?hp_sl_3dme">3DMe</a> service, which allows you to creat a 3D-printed figurine of yourself or whomever else you want to <del datetime="2013-04-24T01:51:26+00:00">scare</del> present with a gift.

You even get several choices of outfits to wear. Prices start at $64.99.

The <a href="http://www.makerbot.com/">MakerBot</a> booth was impressive with several 3D printers all fabricating simultaneously, but what caught our eye most were these chains with interlocking components. While it mind seem like a bit of a mindf@ck, the chain was designed so that each link becomes an individual piece that moves freely once it's peeled away from the build plate.

This 3D-printed pottery was definitely a first for us but seemed to be a hit at the <a href="http://blog.sculpteo.com/2013/03/04/lets-create-pottery-and-3d-print-it-with-sculpteo/">Sculpteo</a> booth. You can design your own pots using this<a href="http://www.potterygame.com/"> app</a>, and while they're not made of actual clay, they do have a sandy texture that's very similar to actual pottery without the heavy weight.

The <a href="http://www.cubify.com/">Cubify</a> booth really took the lead when it came to fashion-focused 3D-printing with several different kinds of 3D-printed shoes. The shoes are totally wearable too though their comfort is questionable.

Also seen at the <a href="http://www.cubify.com/">Cubify</a> booth? A 3D-printed belt and 3D-printed purse to go with those 3D-printed shoes!

A close-up of the 3D-printed belt.