3D printing is serving to usher in the future in many ways, largely in the field of medicine, green energy, and space exploration. However, it would seem that this revolutionary technology could also be instrumental in bringing some of our more fantastic sci-fi fantasies into reality. One of these is coming in the form of the JB-9, a jetpack built with 3D printed parts.
The JB-9 is a functional jet turbine powered jetpack created by a team at JetPack Aviation. This group has been working for over forty years to perfect their design, and 3D printing is apparently bringing them significantly closer to their goal. With the help of 3D printing company Airwolf 3D, JetPack Aviation has managed to make their JB-9 a more practical and affordable product. Previously, it would cost between $5,000 and $12,000 to create a prototype jetpack; now, a complete JB-9 can be created for just $400. According to Nelson Tyler from JetPack Aviation, Airwolf 3D’s AXIOM 3D printer was instrumental in achieving this great stride forward.