Polish jeweler Michał Baran has some rather outlandish ideas about the future of 3D printing. He has spent the past 30 years trying to come up with a solution that is much faster than current methods. And after 30 years of contemplation, 'printing tests on small Styrofoam like flubbers.'

While it may not look like much in its current form - dish detergent and UV resin - it certainly has potential for future applications. In architecture, for example, an entire building could be constructed in a matter of hours if this process is combined with the right technology (as in the video below).

The Hackaday project appears to be the brainchild of a mad scientist, but reading the conversation between Balan and Fabbaloo about the project's humble beginnings freed me from that notion:

"Once upon a time, I met a bumblebee," Balan told Fabbaloo, and the bumblebee told him: "I am a bumblebee.

"Brother, at last there is someone who sincerely asks us: 'What is the answer to your question? The answer is very simple. Start by comparing how we, the birds, the trees, and the intoxicatingly beautiful dolphins, differ from what you humans make: ...... Notice that we are made from almost nothing, the main ingredients are air and water: ...... Hey! Your body is made that way too! Remember that we are our own best model. In addition, pay attention to our topology! This is extremely important! Proper topology is the key to everything. Nowhere in nature is there a single point, line, or right angle. So why draw such evil? The effects of human activity are like a cancer on the reality that surrounds you. Change it!" [Why do skyscrapers have such ridiculous shapes? Why don't they look like redwoods or termite mounds? Why do they force us to live in angular, ugly houses when their females are so beautiful and rounded? What is going on on this planet?

This was the conversation that changed Baran's perspective on building methods and led to the creation of his foam printing solution concept. The resulting "photopolymer foam" is dispensed using a foam cannon and cured by UV irradiation. This means that no layers are needed and production times can be reduced.

Sadly, we have not located the bee to confirm that this conversation took place, but we will keep an eye out for him. He was last seen wearing black and yellow and mumbling about the destruction of the human race.