Monday, December 2, 2013

The 3-D Printing Revolution Is Here

By Toccara Petrosky


One of the most exciting developments in computerized technology is 3D printers. These devices can use raw materials to create three-dimensional objects. The very first one used plastic but now they have evolved so that a variety of materials can be used. This greatly increases their value to our society.

Medicine looks to this technology to help rebuild human bodies by printing out replacement parts. Metal and plastic can be used to print out pieces to replace bone and cartilage. This means replacement ears, vertebrae and other body parts may become printed out on a daily basis. There have already been cases where body parts have been replaced using this technology.

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.

These printers use an image that is put into the machine for replication. It will repeatedly laid down one line after another and create the object from the bottom to the top. There are even units available for homeowners at the cost of around $1500. As you can see they cost more than just a regular printer, but they do so much more than your average inkjet.

This technology can have a huge impact on our society in the fields of science and medicine as that has already been proven. Homeowners may find it handy too. Printing parts for broken appliances is one application that may be proven useful in the household. Hobbyists will be able to print out parts for models with broken pieces, or even print the entire project from a CAD blueprint.

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.

3D printers and the technology that has created them will grow over the next several years and will create thousands of jobs. The technology must be learned and new skills developed so it will have a broad impact on our society. The average individual may not see a need for it right now; however that is what most people thought about television.




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