Friday, December 13, 2013

3D Printing Machines Are Now Designed For Everyone


By Catina Korte


If you think back over the past few years you will probably not find anything that has created such a buzz like 3D printers. These devices are like something out of a science fiction movie. They are able to take raw materials and literally print out three-dimensional objects. They have the potential to greatly change everyday living.

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.

The process starts with a CAD design that is fed into the machine. The printer is able to use the design specifications to lay down the raw materials one line at a time until the object is finished. There are several different sizes of these machines and some are available now for home use. They are not much bigger than a home inkjet printer but they cost from $1200-$1500 which is probably quite a bit more than your last inkjet.

This is an evolving technology that will definitely impact society in a huge way. The fields of medicine and science will try and push the boundaries of what can be accomplished and we will all reap the benefits. Homeowners will not be left out as they too will look for new ways to use their home printers. They can be both practical and four hobbyists as well.

At the current time home three-dimensional printing is in its novelty stages. Once it becomes more common there may be changes in the way the average family handles a need. Instead of going to the store to get an item, a family member may purchase and download a pattern to print whatever it is they need.

One thing for sure is that 3D printers will be bringing new jobs, skills and a new way of doing things to the average family in the years to come. Just how fast this new technology will be embraced by the general public will depend largely on how it can solve a need in an economical way.




About the Author:



0 Responses to “3D Printing Machines Are Now Designed For Everyone”

Post a Comment