How 3D Printing Can Change The Future.
3D printing tech recently became affordable for the average user, but is still developing to become more affordable for the average user. My first and only thoughts that is was cool too be able to 3D print objects, but little did I know how it can change the way we live and innovate in the future!
Background History
Chuck Hull is the father of 3D printing technology. He developed the first 3D printer in 1986. He also helped launched one of the world's biggest 3D printing manufacturers named 3D Systems. He developed the Stereolithography, SLA for short, Which is a system of ejecting liquid plastic on a surface and hardens it with UV Light. The machine does this layer on layer until the object is created!
This is the oldest known technique to man but many other systems has been developed to 3D print objects like Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF which can use different materials or colours to print) or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). This technology is still developing, each year more accurate, faster and cheaper printers gets developed. But how will this tech change the future?
The first 3D printer: Image Credit
3D Printing will change the way we manufacture.
Imagine getting a product straight form the factory all the time. This cold be the future where one can buy a product and have it 3D printed right in your home. This could really reduce the cost of the products and it could potentially reduce air pollution due to less transportation. You can already 3D print phone covers, whistles and action figures (Just to name a few).
3D printed whistle: Image Credit
But there could be so much more. Imagine taking a picture of an object and send it to your home computer to print the object at home. This is possible with the technology and software that we have today. We have software that can create a 3D model out of a 2D image, this model will be sent to your home computer to be printed in the time that you have arrived back home (depending on how big the object is). This software is also developing better and better each year, and in the future you could only take a few photos of the Eiffel tower and print a scaled down model at home!
2D portrait to 3D model: Image Credit
We can also manufacture more complicated structure with 3D printers. It could also significantly reduce production costs. Most factories have to buy parts and materials to produce machinery or products. Factories will be able to print these parts intact to the machine whilst printing the machine itself.
3D printed metal object: Image Credit
Imagine printing your house! This could be the norm of construction building. Huge Machinery that could print a building could help build at a faster pace stronger and cheaper buildings. This could also make the construction site more attractive and less dangerous than it looks and is today! The world can radically change because of 3D printers, even the medical field can change.
Possible house 3D printer concept : Image Credit
How 3D printing can change the medical field
There already exists organic 3D printers. These printers can print organic materials like skin or veins. These printers are beneficial because in the near future we will be able to print organs that have a better chance to to get accepted by our body. This could save many lives in the future. These printers would take a while to print organs because it technically grows cells and places them in the correct positions.
But these organic 3D printers are only the tip of the iceberg. One can 3D print more attractive prosthetic limbs. Better replacement "bone" structures can be produced to help aid those who need it. Dentists could use this technology to help design better implant that suit the patients mouth. This is one of the ways 3D printers could help change the way we live.
3D printed organic Material: Image Credit
What do you think? How will 3D technology change the future? let me know in the comments below! Upvote and follow me if you liked what you read!
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Thanks for reading!
Ya. I believe with the help of 3D printing, with correct material, a lots of things can be done very good with a pretty low cost.
Yes very true :)
The 3D printing technology is really the key for many problems in the future. I can recommend to give a look to @coinbitgold blog. She wrote nice articles on this technology (including 4D printing) ^^
3D is really old technology already, they are are already talking about how 4d printing is the next thing.
Reference
I have always wanted to get myself a 3d printer and play around with the possibilities. They are getting to the "affordable" point now for an average user.
Thanks for the post, 3d printing has so many benefits and useful applications. It will be exciting to watch it grow in the future.
Hi @stormblaze
Yes this is amazing technology and also opens up the possibility of one item production runs at low cost. You can also read my post on 3D printing a car.
Hi stormblaze
I find all your articles very interesting. This can really mean a lot for our future and housing problemsin SA.
I am glad you posted this. I've been trying to figure out a way to get a 3-D printer, myself (or, for my son who has studied CNC stuff). I will follow you and see what else you post here. Please look at my Blog, as well. If you like what you see, please follow me. ~Cheers~
https://steemit.com/@james83501