Three Ways 3D Printing Is Changing The World
3D printing is an incredibly fast-growing technology, and it’s accomplishing some incredible feats.
The 21st century has been a time of immense innovation, and we are seeing advancements in science, tech, and engineering every single day. In a matter of decades, we went from using entire rooms for computers carrying out simple addition to everyone having their own personal cinema/encyclopedia/calendar/mailbox/shop/map/sketchpad in their pockets.
However, a technology that definitely stands of from the rest is 3D printing. The concept might be old, but the progress it has made in the past few decades is immeasurable, and it has made huge waves in the tech and science fields. How? Let’s take a look at 3D printing’s greatest achievements.
What Is 3D Printing?
According to All3DP, “3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing process where a 3D printer creates three-dimensional objects by depositing materials layer by layer in accordance to the object’s 3D digital model.” Using these 3D printers, we can make efficient, precise, dynamic, and beautiful creations with varieties of materials. Additionally, the many varieties of 3D printers in the market allow ordinary people to experience this great technology too — from the versatile 3D printing pens to behemoth printers that can make giant sculptures.
People can achieve dreams and solve problems with 3D printing. By being so much more adaptable to technology, anyone with a computer can simply build to their heart’s content.
However, 3D printing isn’t just for recreational use. It can be used to teach students about our mysterious oceans, print more efficient, fuel-saving rocket parts, make houses for the poor, and for faster prototyping and manufacturing. As advanced as the technology is, though, this is just the beginning.
3D Printing Is Changing the World…But How?
Building homes on Mars
The drive to send humans to Mars is persisting, and innovation is accelerating. As good as it is to marvel at our progress, there was much dispute on how Mars’ homes should be made. Should they be deconstructed and then put back together? What about inflatable houses? However, NASA knew that 3D printing would be the best option and got to work. To engage the public in these advancements, they created the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. Teams from anywhere in the world could submit their designs for 3D printed shelters on the Moon and Mars, and be in the running for a chance at a cash prize of $2 million. Monsi Roman, a program manager for NASA’s Centennial Challenges, says,
“Some of these designs are incredible. The concepts are amazing. They are not just designing structures, they are designing habitats that will allow our space explorers to live and work on other planets. It’s hard for the public to grasp the complexity of our missions and I think these designs can show that in a way that’s very real.”
Although these designs are in their early stages, the potential of these shelters is sky-high, and improvements and tweaks are being made every day.
3D-printed plant-based meat
The meat industry, in many ways, is damaging the environment and is one of the biggest contributors to climate change.
For example, the large amount of land needed for livestock results in deforestation, and manure releases toxic chemicals into soil and methane into our air. To combat this problem, plant-based substitutes have risen, but the biggest concern for meat-eaters is if the meat actually tastes, feels, and cooks like actual meat.
An Israeli startup called Redefine Meat is solving that problem with 3D printing. The startup used 3D printers to perfectly mimic the muscle, blood, and fat in a real steak, and their machines can produce up to 13 pounds of meat every hour! Redefine Meat says that their steak recreates the texture and taste of a real steak, and plans to have their substitutes available at high-end restaurants in Europe, but it’s only a matter of time before it becomes mainstream.
Next-generation prosthetics
Prosthetics are revolutionary technologies that provide artificial limbs/organs to those who don't have certain body parts (like amputees). This gives them mobility, functionality, and confidence in their own abilities. As useful as these prosthetics can be, though, it still has one major caveat — affordability.
According to a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs, for a purely cosmetic prosthetic arm, you would have to pay about $5,000, and $10,000 for one that ends in a split hook. However, more advanced ones can even cost $20K or more! There are millions of families around the world who can’t afford these prosthetics, especially in undeveloped countries, so 3D printing aims to fix this.
One of the biggest pioneers of 3D-printed prostheses is e-NABLE, an online community dedicated to collaboration. In this community, people can work with each other on prosthetic designs and get help on printing and assembling them. Many have already been able to create prosthetics arms and hands, and many sources say that the price of these prostheses can be as little as $50, a big breakthrough in terms of price. This low price is also good news for disabled children, as it will be cheaper to replace old prosthetics as they grow with age.
Thoughts and Predictions
3D printing has the potential to be a backbone for future innovation, from housing to consumer tech. However, I do have some thoughts on what this could mean for the future.
I predict 3D printing will be the catalyst for a major shift in necessary skills for jobs in the next few decades. When these printers make products by themselves with little need for human intervention, manufacturing jobs would completely change in regards to requirements, leading to a dramatic rise in people hired for skills liked CAD design.
3D printing’s benefits continue to impress us — from being eco-friendly to creating more intricate and efficient parts. The impact that it has already made on the world gives me confidence that 3D printing can help solve some of the world’s biggest problems, such as homelessness and global climate change.
I believe we as humans have only seen the tip of the iceberg with 3D printing, and I’m sure there is still a whole lot under the surface left for mankind to innovate and keep making our world cleaner, healthier, safer, more efficient, calmer, and happier.
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