When the Printing Press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg, it changed the world. Knowledge became accessible to the masses and started a revolution. Today Knowledge is shared digitally. The world is accessible at our fingertips with the advent of Digital Technology and the Web. The next big iteration in our growth is 3D Printing Technology that allows you to make actual physical replicas of almost anything you want.
3D Printing also known as Additive Manufacturing adds layers of material to build any shape from a digital model. It has been in existence since the 1980s but only became affordable in 2010 and is touted to be the next big technology. It was previously only used as a prototyping tool by engineers but is now being used in the architecture, construction, automotive, aerospace, military, dental and medical industries, biotech (human tissue replacement), fashion, education, geographic information systems, food, and many other fields.
All of its applications are fascinating to study. In the health care industry, 3D printers are being used to print organs from biodegradable gel and human tissue for transplantation. The human tissue comes from the patient himself and reduces the chances of rejection. This is called bio-printing and is being tested for human use. The idea caught attention two years ago by Dr. Atala’s speech at a TED conference.
A more accessible application is plastic decorative items that can be printed to order with your own digital model. This is a new service that is being provided by many websites. You can buy your own 3D printer that can be used to make plastic objects from Makerbot Industries. Makerbot Industries is the first company to open a 3D printer retail store and now sells its products in all Microsoft stores in the U.S.
3D printing is being used in aerospace industry. As printed objects are more precise these are making for a more comfortable flight experience. NASA has also started using 3D printing to print some of its rocket parts. The recent Iron Man movie used 3D printing to print parts of the Iron Man suit. Elon Musk, the owner and CEO of SpaceX, the company that made the reusable rocket launchers Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, shows his intuitive 3D digital model creators used to build said rockets here.
The flip side to making anything you want is, the anything could be guns too. This could take wars and rebellions to a whole new level of danger when AK-47s can be printed by anyone. Although there are laws preventing this that is hardly a deterrent where it really matters.
This is a technology that is only limited by our imagination. It may be used to print food in the future, the possibilities are limitless. Printing iPods and phones is not very far off. Already Motorola has partnered with 3D Systems, a 3D printing company for its Project ARA for printing the parts of the modular phone. There is even an open source database of CAD models to use in 3D printers at Thingiverse where you can download the digital model for free to use in your 3D printer.
In the near future the way we do business is going to change drastically. Storage of stock is not going to be necessity anymore as objects can be printed and styled to order. Imagine you could get clothes or footwear printed to fit you perfectly in a style you choose or even make. So what are you most excited to print?
