The First Steps of the 3D Printed Future

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“The First Steps of the 3D Printed Future” explores the potential of 3D printing technology and its impact on various aspects of our lives. The article highlights two contrasting examples: the controversial issue of 3D printed weapons and the groundbreaking use of 3D printed implants in medical surgeries. It also discusses the exciting development of 3D printed houses using recycled materials. These examples demonstrate the vast range of possibilities that 3D printing offers, from potential dangers to life-saving advancements. This article serves as an introduction to the ever-evolving world of 3D printing and its potential to shape our future.

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Table of Contents

Unavoidable threat

The fear of unapproved production of weapons is one of the main concerns that arise when discussing the widespread use of 3D printers. The ability to create virtually anything with these machines raises questions about the potential misuse of this technology. While there is currently no legislation in place to control the production of 3D printed firearms, some individuals have already made attempts at creating these weapons.

One notable example is the “Liberator,” a 3D printed gun designed by George Hyde. Two months after the gun was first demonstrated, the US State Department intervened and prevented the distribution of the blueprints online. However, by that point, the files had already been shared with tens of thousands of people. Another instance of a 3D printed firearm is a fully functional revolver created by a constructor in Japan. This revolver includes a cylinder that holds six bullets and can be fired up to six times per session. However, it remains unclear whether the cylinder can be reused after firing or if it is damaged in the process.

Despite these advancements, it is important to note that these 3D printed guns are not capable of firing real ammunition and possess limited killing power. Previous attempts at creating 3D printed weapons often resulted in damaged and destroyed firearms after just one shot. Nevertheless, these examples highlight the fact that even without strict gun laws, people can acquire firearms by manufacturing them at home using readily available technology.

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From destructive guns to life-saving matters

While concerns about the unapproved production of weapons persist, the use of 3D printers has also demonstrated immense potential in the field of medicine. One groundbreaking application is the use of 3D printing technology in reconstructive surgery. In China, the first lower-jaw reconstruction surgery using a 3D printed implant was performed on New Year’s Eve. The patient had suffered severe damage to her lower jaw due to a tumor. The implant, made from 3D printed titanium, allowed the patient to regain her facial structure and relieved her of years of pain.

This success was followed by another remarkable surgery in the United States, where 3D printing technology was used to replace 75% of a patient’s skull. The advantage of 3D printing in these cases lies in its ability to create precise, patient-specific implants. By using digitally scanned models of patients’ skulls, surgeons can 3D print replacement parts layer by layer, achieving a level of accuracy and detail not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques. This technology has the potential to benefit patients with cancerous skull bones, as well as individuals who have experienced head trauma due to accidents or military service.

These advancements in reconstructive surgery represent just a small fraction of what 3D printing can achieve in the field of medicine. Hospitals worldwide are actively developing 3D printing technology for various medical applications. From creating implants to printing organs, the possibilities for enhancing patient care and revolutionizing healthcare are endless.

And now life-saving matters on a bigger scale

Beyond medicine, there is growing excitement about the use of 3D printing technology in construction, particularly in the creation of houses. Researchers in China and the United States are heavily investigating large-scale building 3D printers that use concrete materials instead of plastics or resins. Concurrently, architects in Amsterdam have taken a step further by constructing the first-ever 3D printed plastic homes.

One Chinese company recently showcased its achievement in 3D printing ten homes entirely from recycled materials in less than a day. The 3D printing process involved recycling old construction materials into a moist concrete mixture, which was then extruded by an enormous 3D printer. This printer, measuring 32 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 6.6 meters high, enabled the printing of each structural component of these homes. The printed parts were then assembled on-site by a construction crew.

These 3D printed homes are a remarkable breakthrough, with the company envisioning a future where this technology can provide affordable housing options for those living in poverty. Currently, these homes are being sold for as little as $4,800, with the potential for even lower prices in the future. This innovation has the potential to address homelessness, at least in the most developed countries, and offer a solution to the lack of affordable housing.

Overall, the use of 3D printing technology in various industries, from medicine to construction, presents exciting opportunities for innovation and progress. The ability to create customized implants, replace damaged bone structures, and construct affordable housing demonstrates the power and potential of this technology. As researchers continue to explore its applications, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking developments that will shape our 3D printed future.

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