Researchers at Carnegie Mellon College have devised an ingenious technique for creating lifelike hair fibers the one requires a standard, cheap fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer. The method is surprisingly easy: the printer squeezes out a small dollop of molten plastic after which pulls away, stretching the fabric into an extended strand — very similar to the sticky strings that scorching glue weapons depart behind.

Sadly, every hair needs to be created individually so the method is sort of sluggish. Printing simply 10 sq. millimeters of hair takes greater than 20 minutes. Nevertheless, the ensuing product is reportedly fairly lifelike and could be styled identical to the actual factor. Plus, relying on how densely the fibers are packed and their positioning, they will probably be utilized in quite a lot of purposes — from hairpieces to toothbrush bristles.

The Carnegie Mellon staff will current their analysis on November eleventh at the united states 2015 symposium in Charlotte, NC. However earlier than that, they will exhibit these luscious plastic locks at tonight’s Engadget Stay occasion in Brooklyn. Such as you wanted one more reason to attend.