So I was reading about this relatively still "new" technology:
3-D Printing. It’s been around for around 30 years now, not perfected but
its steadily transforming into something quite interesting. Around the
early 1980s Charles W. Hull, the man claimed to be the first to discover the idea,
began with the Stereolithography (SLA) technique.
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| The First 3-D Printer |
The basic definition: a
technique or process for creating three-dimensional objects, in which a
computer-controlled moving laser beam is used to build up the required
structure, layer by layer, from a liquid polymer that hardens on contact with
laser light. Basically you can create a 3 dimensional prototype of almost
any object that you can design through Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Since then, there have
been hundreds of open source 3-D printers created. Some of the materials
used in these printers are common like plastic or metal. This type of
manufacturing is called "additive manufacturing" because instead of
using regular industrial machines that drill, cut and shape, thus wasting
material, it adds material layer by layer.
Although these printers
are not quite optimal for creating hefty or even stable objects such as car
parts or household items like a coffee machine they are able to create parts of objects, toys, or even simple things like cups and plates.
There are concerns that 3-D printing will open up many
possibilities, even unsafe ones.
I have included a documentary video about 3-D printing gun part. It is interesting that only 30 years ago this was being created. I am sure its not at its optimal state right now but as fast as technology is advancing, I will not be surprised if in a few years this will be even more mainstream. How will this effect the manufacturing industry or even companies in general?
Sources:
http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=289174&a=289174&po=1,00.asp
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productID.282577600&pid=DGF-00032?mr:trackingCode=0F6868AD-0705-E311-B773-BC305BF933C0&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=15239889307&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=21844073347&tid=2iYORhOz_dc&cid=5250&pcrid=15239889307&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=pointitsem_Microsoft+US_google_PLA+-+All+Other&WT.source=google&WT.medium=cpc&origin=pla
http://www.forbes.com/sites/singularity/2012/07/23/the-end-of-chinese-manufacturing-and-rebirth-of-u-s-industry/
http://joebarkai.com/tag/3d-printing/
https://www.google.com/#q=what%20is%20stereolithography&safe=off
It's amazing that a "simple" printer can make cup or plate, let alone an essential gun part. It seems a bit dangerous to me. If sometime in the near future these 3D printers become more mainstream, and start to show up in common households, is there ever really a limit as to what the printers CAN'T make?
ReplyDeleteAside from the obvious dangers at-home gun productions poses, these 3D printers also have the potential to hurt the economy. If we can simply "print" our own cups, plates, and toys in the convenience of our own home, why would we buy from stores? I'll be interested to see how these things progress and how/if consumerism is affected.
Great post!
Hi Kaitlyn, Im also interested in how all of this turns out. Like you said, why would we need a store if we can simply create at home and not just that but be able to tailor it to OUR preferences. I mean if you think about it, more and more people are shopping online simply because its cheaper and more convenient, plus we would be cutting out shipping. This is all technical but if they can create 3-d printers why not.
DeleteTechnology is amazing!! Just when you think, "What could they come up with next?" I'm very torn on my opinion of this concept. I do think this 3D printer could become very dangerous. I'm sure we haven't even begun to think of all the dangers it could pose, even outside of personal gun production! However, wouldn't it be awesome to be able to reconstruct a missing part to your car, cabinet, television, etc. if you had one of these?! And let's face it, if the masses want it, they're going to get it somehow. With regards to the potential impact on the economy, it may be bad for the economy, but certain aspects would be positive. There would be more jobs and money in everything for 3D printing!
ReplyDeleteI agree, the danger is inevitable not just with 3-D printers but with any new innovative technology. There's always a bad apple in the bunch. However, I'm sure someone will try to prevent that and make it possible for this printer do what It was meant for, at least I hope so. Its interesting to see what happens next.
DeleteI think this technology is amazing. As mentioned in many technology publications, these models can be used in the medical industry, as well as in the manufacturing industry. There's no doubt in my mind that 3-D printing will be used to pursue selfish interest, or even interests that may compromise public safety. However, I think this technology can bring more useful applications, as more and more research is conducted to create objects with more functionality than objects that can be used as models for prototypes.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought that up. You are correct, they are being used in the health/medical industry. I know that company who make ear aids are using these to make a part of the ear aid. I'm not sure if they make the whole ear aid yet, but it would be awesome if these could make the whole ear aid one day lowering the cost for people who are in need of these.
DeleteI think this is an awesome technology; 3 D printing inspires new generations and is a good source of innovation. The only bad thing with this technology is that probably nobody will be employed in manufacturing. The good thing about this, it will create many new jobs like 3D product designers, or 3D software engineers. I would love to know what new technology, they will do next :)
ReplyDeleteI thought the same. I feel like the "middle man" would be cut out. It's bad enough we are struggling to keep manufacturing in the U.S. and keep what little of it is left.
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