How many of you
remember the dot matrix printers of 1980s?
Nobody could have thought then, that
we will have 3D printers to print anything from consumer goods to
military/space equipment.
Simply put 3D
printing is also known as additive manufacturing. 3D printers work like inkjet
printers, but instead of ink they build 3D objects by adding layer upon layer of
the material.
Today 3D printing
uses variety of materials like Sugar, Nylon, human cells, metallic powder etc. to
print anything.
- Medical : Bionic ear, Skin grafts, prosthetic limbs
- Military : weapon and arms manufacturing
- Engineering : various spare parts, cell phone displays, fuel injectors
- Manufacturing : items can be printed as required, JIT inventory
- Food : Edible object printing
Today there are 3D
printing service website like Shapeways,
Ponoko and Sculpteo that can very inexpensively
print and deliver an object from a digital file that you simply upload to their
website. You can even sell your 3D designs on their website.
MakerBot's Thingiverse is a thriving design
community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable things.
ASDA is giving away 3d miniature figures of you or your loved ones as marketing gimmick.
Argos, a leading Digital retailer is working to improve customer experience with 3D printed customisable jewelry.
3D printing, artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, sensor technology and nanotechnology are
examples that are radically going to change the way we do business.
Research is going on
for 4D printing in which 3D printed objects can change the shape or colors dynamically, as shown in the movie Transformers.
With new materials
being introduced, 3D printing can drastically impact our life. Some products may save our lives, others may extend lives and some brings ease to our daily activities!!
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