3D printing application are available now in science friction

Sculpteo has also unveiled what it claims is the first ever app to turn the shape of a human face into a 3D printed object.

The software is used to take a photo of the profile of a person's face. The image is then used to create ceramic objects such as a vase, whose contours mimic the shape of the person's face. The firm will then manufacture and deliver the object if the user wishes to purchase it.

Its armband uses sensors to collect 5,000 bits of data about the user's body every minute. They are used to calculate activity levels, calories burned and how well its owner is sleeping at night - all of which can be monitored through a smartphone app. Its developers say the aim is to help people lose weight rather than become hypochondriacs.