Hi remember watching Grey's Anatomy recently when I first heard of 3D printing. The doctors were trying to operate on someone with a huge tumor. They made a drawing of the tumor on a computer and the printer printed out this object that was exactly what the tumor looked like. In that way, they can plan a course of action for surgery. At the time, I didn't think it was real as I thought this type of thing was made for Hollywood or something. Little did I know, 3D printing is real and quite fascinating. In a nutshell, 3D printing is the process of making a physical object from a virtual model. So basically, it's like printers but instead of using traditional ink, 3D printers squeeze out different fibers and print layer by layer until the virtual model is reproduced in physical form. How amazing right? This type of technology is huge! 3D printing has the potential to make some incredible breakthroughs. 3D printers can now create everything from synthetic human organs (like on Grey's!) to mansions! Hospitals have begun exploring the idea of printing human limbs such as prosthetic hands and NASA has started development on a food printer that will allow astronauts to print their own meals in space and this is only the beginning! Ten years from now, who knows where this can go! It is said that it may be even possible to download, modify and print just about any object you can imagine (toothbrush, kitchen faucet). Hospitals are paving the way for practical application as many have begun printing organs and tissues which I find simply amazing. Some have even created prototype bladders and tracheas that could one day find their way into humans. Even the fashion industry is using this technology (see video below).
This technology has the potential to change industries, businesses and lives. I mean, we could easily envision someone deciding to buy a car but instead of going to the dealership, they can possibly print out all of the components at home and assemble them on their own time. These things will not happen overnight but we've come a long way and the possibilities are endless.
JJarvis said... 3D printing almost scares me. The thought that you can make almost anything with a printer including guns that cannot be detected is scary. It's also very exciting. Basically anything 3D can be printed. This could dramatically reduce cost on many products. I like your idea of designing your own car. I've always wanted a street legal gulf cart. Something smaller than a Jeep but similar. I would love to design one.
The first time I had knowledge of 3D printing i was walking through a Sams Club. They were demonstrating how the 3D printer worked (marketing that it would be sold in the Sams club of course -_-) and giving samples to the 'passer byers'. Jarvis, I agree with you the fact that you can use these 3D printers to create just about anything is just a bit overwhelming to say the least.
Although this is great technology and I am all about evolution I wonder if it is a little too much, as in the wrong hands it can be worrisome. Especially in the hands of kids who can use it to create let's say a 9mm hand gun just for kicks. Any thoughts?
I agree...it's amazing technology but it certainly can get a little tricky. However, where I see the most benefits is in the medical industry. To be able to manufacture customizable human body parts or organs is huge. Imagine doctors quickly building and replacing critical organs, such as the heart, lungs, or liver that will have almost no chance of donor rejection, since the organs will be built using the patients’ unique characters and DNA. That's a big deal, but yeah, there are pros and cons.
I feel 3D printing is an amazing technology, but I also think it's kind of scary. As you mentioned seeing it being used on Grey's Anatomy, I've also seen 3D printing being used to produce a gun on CSI. Being able to produce anything so simply like this worries me, since there are so many people who wouldn't use in a positive way. This is a technology that would really need to be monitored. It'll be interesting to see where this technology will take us in the future.
JJarvis said...
ReplyDelete3D printing almost scares me. The thought that you can make almost anything with a printer including guns that cannot be detected is scary. It's also very exciting. Basically anything 3D can be printed. This could dramatically reduce cost on many products. I like your idea of designing your own car. I've always wanted a street legal gulf cart. Something smaller than a Jeep but similar. I would love to design one.
The first time I had knowledge of 3D printing i was walking through a Sams Club. They were demonstrating how the 3D printer worked (marketing that it would be sold in the Sams club of course -_-) and giving samples to the 'passer byers'.
ReplyDeleteJarvis, I agree with you the fact that you can use these 3D printers to create just about anything is just a bit overwhelming to say the least.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteAlthough this is great technology and I am all about evolution I wonder if it is a little too much, as in the wrong hands it can be worrisome. Especially in the hands of kids who can use it to create let's say a 9mm hand gun just for kicks. Any thoughts?
I agree...it's amazing technology but it certainly can get a little tricky. However, where I see the most benefits is in the medical industry. To be able to manufacture customizable human body parts or organs is huge. Imagine doctors quickly building and replacing critical organs, such as the heart, lungs, or liver that will have almost no chance of donor rejection, since the organs will be built using the patients’ unique characters and DNA. That's a big deal, but yeah, there are pros and cons.
ReplyDeleteI feel 3D printing is an amazing technology, but I also think it's kind of scary. As you mentioned seeing it being used on Grey's Anatomy, I've also seen 3D printing being used to produce a gun on CSI. Being able to produce anything so simply like this worries me, since there are so many people who wouldn't use in a positive way. This is a technology that would really need to be monitored. It'll be interesting to see where this technology will take us in the future.
ReplyDelete