The Future Of Printing

Yes, the future of printing is here! And its three dimensional.

3D printing is a new milestone reached by Chuck Hull ,the executive vice president and chief technology officer of 3D Systems, a company built on his creation: the 3D printer.

Home model of a 3D printer.

For all those who don't know much about this technology, let me give you a brief on this. 3D printing is the process by which we can create an actual physical 3D model from the computer model of an object. This is done by adding layers of liquid plastic to form the model. The liquid plastic solidifies to form a hard plastic model. this process is called rapid prototyping or addictive manufacturing. The material used is PLA plastic as it is bio-degradable. 

There's limits to everything. So, the kind of traditional limits of 3D printing have been: material properties, speed, making millions of things. But all the competitive companies are just constantly pushing those limits, so if you're projecting the future, it looks like these limits are going to be beat down over the next couple of years.

Use of 3D printers

These machines are the future of the manufacturing business.

Even though some jobs can easily be cut because of these ingenious machines, 3D printers are not only more productive but are also more environmentally friendly. When you build something, you usually have scraps leftover. With a 3D printer, it knows the mold and design and builds only what is needed, making 3D printers more economically and earth friendly. 3D printers also have the advantage of becoming a productive manufacturing tool. With the purchase of a commercial 3D printer, higher production volumes can be achieved and larger products can be designed. 

They can produce just about anything.

If you have a craving for chocolate or if you are in need of an organ transplant, you’re in luck. 3D printing companies originally sold plastic ink cartridges but now have ink made out of sugar, chocolate, sand, ceramic, metal materials, and even living cells to manufacture an infinite amount of creations. 

Clothes.

3D printed clothes may not be in stores yet but its already debuted on the runway. Model Dieta Von Teese was the first to wear a fully articulated 3D gown specially made to fit her and flow according to her curves.

For the regular people like us, 3D printed clothes could mean a new level of customization beyond the ability of any tailor. 

The 3D printers are also used by NASA. Wonder how? Let me satisfy your curiosity.

NASA started funding a project through which scientists made a 3D printer that could make edible items. They use this technology to feed the astronauts in space. Usually a 3D printer works by using only one material cartridge. But the pizza printer works by printing from multiple cartridges at once containing material like dough, cheese and sauce.

With the rate at which the 3D printing technology is progressing I wouldn't be surprised if a few decades later we would be living in houses made using the 3D printer.