Tomorrow we are having a discussion entitled '3D printing: the next industrial revolution?'. Prior to this meeting I have been researching into 3D printing- what's out there, where it came from, what it's used for etc. and quite frankly, I am terrified of the technology.
FASHION. HOUSES. GUNS. RAW MEAT. TECHNOLOGY IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD.
3D printing is not a new technology- created in 1986 by Chuck Hull- it is, like many things in the past, becoming the new 'must-have' craze. 3D printing makes it possible for you to take a computer-aided design and print it as a solid, physical object. It is a technology that is empowering a generation of artists, designers and engineers to turn their ideas into reality- but is this a good thing?
Typing '3D printing' into Google; at my leisure I am able to scroll through pages upon pages of what appears to be utter crap created by this upcoming technology. I feel 3D printers will be the same as any other past fad: they will become popular, everyone will have to have one and then suddenly something new and exciting will be released and nobody will remember why they chose to idolise such a craze in the first place. Nonetheless, researching further into the technology, past the plastic action figures and fun novelties, it's both fascinating and shocking to see some of the objects that have been created/ in the process of becoming a reality;
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IMPLEMENTATION: Using bio-printing technology to generate functional tissues- human organ, tissue and bone replacements. Eric Moger is an extraordinary example of the use of this technology. After battling cancer Eric lost part of his facial structure, surgeons used 3D printing to construct a prothesis for the left side of his face. The technology could be used to save lives and ultimately lower healthcare costs. 'print your own body parts' ... but is this right?
Read more about Eric Moger's story here
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GUNS&WEAPONS: The STL plans for a plastic handgun were downloaded over 100,000 times in two days, having to be removed from the internet. Although the printing doesn't produce an actual working specimen straight away, one man was able to successfully design, print and fire the gun, causing a widespread pandemic over safety issues. Also, development of materials has started, moving from plastic to metal. Knowing that anybody would be able to produce these weapons quickly and cheaply is a terrifying thought.
Read about the terrifying first plastic gun shot
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3D HOUSES: Dutch architects are beginning the crazy process of creating an all 3D-printed house... "With 3D-printing, there is zero waste, reduced transportation costs, and everything can be melted down and recycled. This could revolutionsie how we make our cities"
IMPLEMENTATION: Using bio-printing technology to generate functional tissues- human organ, tissue and bone replacements. Eric Moger is an extraordinary example of the use of this technology. After battling cancer Eric lost part of his facial structure, surgeons used 3D printing to construct a prothesis for the left side of his face. The technology could be used to save lives and ultimately lower healthcare costs. 'print your own body parts' ... but is this right?
Read more about Eric Moger's story here
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GUNS&WEAPONS: The STL plans for a plastic handgun were downloaded over 100,000 times in two days, having to be removed from the internet. Although the printing doesn't produce an actual working specimen straight away, one man was able to successfully design, print and fire the gun, causing a widespread pandemic over safety issues. Also, development of materials has started, moving from plastic to metal. Knowing that anybody would be able to produce these weapons quickly and cheaply is a terrifying thought.
Read about the terrifying first plastic gun shot
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3D HOUSES: Dutch architects are beginning the crazy process of creating an all 3D-printed house... "With 3D-printing, there is zero waste, reduced transportation costs, and everything can be melted down and recycled. This could revolutionsie how we make our cities"
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