Sometimes you need to reinvent the wheel (Lego Hello World video)

I noticed this video today in a newsletter I get from a manufacturing magazine.  This is a case of someone reinventing the printer, but using many different components than what we would normally expect to see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX09WnGU6ZY

Lego brings out the fun side of all of us but it can bring out amazing creativity and innovation.  The best part about seeing someone make a printer out of Lego is that it makes us think what else can be made of Lego.   Once we can think of it being made with Lego, then we need to think about what can be made with things other than Lego.

Just like in this printer, with its electronic components, sometimes we have to use specific materials.  But do you need to use polypropylene for your packaging?  Do you have to have all the piping in the plant be hardpiped?  Can some of them go to soft tubing like they now do in houses?


Take the time to brainstorm, ask yourself "what if" and most importantly "why not?".  Do you know your process well enough to see the contraints and if they can be removed?

Reinvent the wheel, but this time try to make it out of something other than wood, rubber and steel!