It may look like something straight from an Italian Job sci-fi sequel, but 3D printing car keys is a reality for this Mini Cooper owning, member of the Google Plus 3D Printing community.
In a recent discussion with a locksmith Ryan Weaving, a Control Systems Engineer and self-proclaimed geek, happened to mention how he thought 3D printing could change his profession.
Ryan was laughed off by the expert when he suggested simply by taking a photo of a key he could make a facsimile replica that worked.
Well, locksmiths of the world, laugh at Ryan Weaving at your peril… 32 minutes later and voila a fully working key.
Printed on a Makerbot Replicator in ABS plastic with .10 layer height, 2 shell and 90% fill, Ryan suggests that although the key isn’t the strongest, he did manage to use it to drive home. In your face Monsieur Locksmith!
A fantastic display of 3D printing technology by a man that certainly knows his stuff. However, the doomsayers out there will probably point to the fact that this could be an absolute nightmare for car and home security. We shall see…
