The Custom-Fit project, funded by the EC under Sixth Framework Programme, has applied for a patent on plastic powder printing (PPP), where a high speed laser printer is used to deposit fine particles of powder in layers, building up a three-dimensional object.

The technology was developed by the De Montfort University and is theoretically capable of printing 2,000 "pages" per minute, with resolutions up to 2,400dpi.

According to the project, the potential to produce such low cost items has also attracted interest from companies manufacturing helmets, seats, backpacks and chairs.