The process involves taking a digital file and successive layering of material in order to create the physical object. Check out this video from Mashable to see how exactly it works.
Example #1 - Printable Buildings
Earlier this month in the Philippines, a group was able to print this full two bedroom villa, complete with a jacuzzi and all, in just over 100 hours. Check out this link to read the full article on this amazing project.
The most important implication of this is that this technology is also being used in the poor areas of the Philippines to create much needed housing at much cheaper prices. Eventually this technology can be used in poor communities all over the world to provide housing for those who need it. I'm sure some more luxury villas will be printed as well.
Example #2 - Printable Food
According to experts, printable food will take several more years to perfect. However, there have been great strides made with this technology. Some food printers can print layers of fine-grain sugar into shapes, while others can print layers of raw dough for pizzas, as shown in the picture above. Give this article a read for a comprehensive description of 3d printed food.
There is a nursing home in Germany that serves a 3d printed dish to seniors who have trouble chewing. Also, a group of students at a technological institute in India is even trying to make this a reality for airlines. Imagine being able to press a button on a screen of what food you want and have it printed in the airplane's kitchen and brought to you.
Example #3 - Printable Cars
This picture shows the first fully printed 3d car that came out last year. Since then, a company called Local Motors has been developing other concepts of 3d printed vehicles. Part of their goal is to reduce the amount of time it takes for vehicle concepts to become a reality and go to market.
They say that there will be highway-ready versions of their vehicles ready to hit the streets in 2016.
Example #4 - Printable Medical Products
3-D printing is also transforming the field of medicine. According to the National Institutes on Health (NIH), this technology is allowing doctors to create customized and patient-specific implants that are higher quality than previous implants.
The photo above shows the difference between the old style of spine implant and the new 3D printed version. The 3D printed implant is certainly more accurate, and can be customized further to fit the patient.
There are numerous ways this technology will revolutionize the field of medicine. The NIH also reports that there are materials being developed that will act as "bioseeds," and will allow the body to rebuild tissue around 3d printed scaffolds.
Example #5 - Printable Aerospace Products
3D printing is also a big topic for the aerospace industry. Boeing has already begun using printed parts on their aircraft, as they are cheaper to produce and weigh considerably less than previous products.
NASA is also starting to integrate 3D printing technology, and their goal is to be able to send rockets into space that are equipped with the technology, which will allow astronauts to print on-demand parts and equipment that they need. This will allow the rockets to go up with a lot less weight, and will aid in problem solving during space travel.
There are a lot of cool things happening with 3D printing, and the future is unlimited as far as what else can become reality with this technology.
What is your opinion of 3D printing technology? What about things like working 3d printed guns? Let me know what you think
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