Introduction to 3D Printing
Imagine a world in which the limits to creativity, science, health, production, and food were subject only to humankind's ability to... well... imagine!
That world is already here, thanks to a game-changing technology that is turning the entire world on its ear. The capabilities of 3D printing are only beginning to be explored. These machines take material and construct an object, layer by layer as a three dimensional unit. Plastics are the most common medium used with 3D printers, but it is also possible to print using actual living tissue, and doctors see a day when the bio-printing of whole organs is entirely possible. Currently, the 3D printing world is also creating objects made of glass and metals. A California based company is making their contribution to quake proof architecture using 3D printed columns, and a company in China is already printing entire houses using this technology. |
This Ted Talk by Lisa Harouni gives a broad overview of the 3D printing field and its potential impact on our current paradigm, with far reaching effects for global manufacturing, and unlimited scope for the personalization of products from footwear and lamp design to dentures, prosthetics, and even body parts.
Futuristic? Visionary? Or just downright practical? You be the judge! Whatever the case, it looks like 3D printing is one of the biggest potential game changers we've come across since the discovery of fire...
|
Creative Commons Licensed Image: https://flic.kr/p/aoMPNq