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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

What 3-D Printing Is Going To Do To Our Lives

By Brendon Grieve


If you think back over the past few years you will probably not find anything that has created such a buzz like 3D printers. These devices are like something out of a science fiction movie. They are able to take raw materials and literally print out three-dimensional objects. They have the potential to greatly change everyday living.

Medical advances have been made using these machines. Human body parts can now be fabricated from metal, plastic or actual tissues. This can have a great impact on health care and help a lot of individuals. Not only are bones and cartilage being created with these machines, it is also possible to print organs.

Space travel may be revolutionized using these devices as parts can be made in space from materials readily available. Replacement parts and the tools needed to install them can be created on demand. This technology can greatly enhance safety in space exploration and it can even be used to build bases on other planets ready for human habitation.

The process starts with a CAD design that is fed into the machine. The printer is able to use the design specifications to lay down the raw materials one line at a time until the object is finished. There are several different sizes of these machines and some are available now for home use. They are not much bigger than a home inkjet printer but they cost from $1200-$1500 which is probably quite a bit more than your last inkjet.

Our society may reap many benefits in the fields of medicine and the sciences. Already we have seen that it is possible to replace simple body parts, but as the technology develops we will see much more intricate creations so that we can do things once thought unimaginable. For homeowners it means fewer trips to the store to purchase items. If something breaks they could just print off a replacement without leaving home.

This type of printing is certainly in its infancy. Right now the things we do seem crude when weighed against the potential advancements it can bring. Imagine being able to purchase and download a pattern for things like games, jewelry and other items.

One of the most exciting things about 3D printers is that they will be creating new markets and jobs. There will be new opportunities for education and training to keep up with the evolution of the technology. It may soon be commonplace in medicine, science, schools and in our homes.




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