3-D Boundaries
3-D printing has gained popularity in recent years and is on its way to be or is being used for many purposes as shown in the video here(1):
3-D printing can take on different meanings for different people. For a medical researcher, it take be a source of printing bones. For an art student, it can be a way to create new pieces of art. For a consumer, it can be a source of new clothing. It can affect many different groups of people too. Not only are the researchers and students and consumers using it, but those who manufacture the printers, those who help decide how it may ethically be used (especially when biological samples are involved), and others are affected by this technology.
3-D printing is a versatile technology with fluidity. It comes in many forms for use in different purposes (2). In some ways, it mirrors the Zimbabwe Bush-Pump Type-B discussed in class. It many, it fits the idea of a boundary object. Like the pump, 3-D printers have moving boundaries. Both can impact health, both can change design, both can be modified for the surroundings or needs of the people using them, and so on (3).
The 3-D printer has a long future ahead of it in which it will likely continue to change and flow as needed, or to be a boundary object for many.
Sources:
- Ryan, Kevin J. “5 Incredible Uses for 3-D Printing.” Inc.com, Inc.
- “What Lies Ahead for 3-D Printing?” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 May 2013
- De Laet, Marianne, and Annemarie Mol. “The Zimbabwe bush pump: Mechanics of a fluid technology.” Social studies of science 30.2 (2000): 225–263.
- Nichols, Greg. “Promising Trend for Innovators: 3D Printer Prices Are Falling.” ZDNet, ZDNet, 5 Feb. 2016
