3 Dimensional Printing

My first exposure to a printer was in kindergarten, I was saddened to learn that the car I was printing off would not spring out of the paper like a jack-in-the-box.  However, that type of technology is no longer fantasy.  Three dimensional printing is the next generation of computer design, with a printer that is able to print 3D objects through multiple layers, one plane at a time.  Most anything that can be designed in a CAD program has the capability of being printed in three dimensions.  A 3D printer in essence, could print another 3D printer.

            There are many benefits that will come with this type of technology.  When the time comes that most households will be able to afford one, it will allow the public to produce many items right from their home.  The range of house hold items that could be printed is pretty wide, ranging from a comb, a fork, to even hangers.   This aspect to me is very intriguing.  I frequently am performing projects around the house and in the garage, and the prospect of being able to make materials without ever leaving the house is beyond exciting.  Even at my summer job at the local garage, when a part is needed it has to be ordered or picked up.  The advantage of being able to manufacture certain items in shop goes without saying.  One economical advantage that could stem from this type of technology is that the U.S.’s dependence on overseas labor would be greatly diminished. 

            The medical field is also benefitting with the ability to further study stem cells through advanced technology in 3D printing.  Previously, scientists would study stem cells after extracting them from their environment, but would have a small window of time due to a deprivation of nutrients and oxygen.  With advances in 3D printing, researchers can actually print biological tissue with vascular channels similar to those in their native environment.  This will allow researchers to increase the life-span of stem cells in a laboratory setting in order to further study them.  Amputees can also benefit from 3D technology when it comes to the cost of manufacturing prosthetic limbs.  At a fraction of the cost, proper prosthetic limbs can be made for disabled persons who otherwise might not be able to afford the procedure.

            The aspect to 3D printing that has some people on edge is the endless possibilities of what can be printed.  The company ‘Defense Distributed’ produced blueprints for a printable, plastic lower receiver to an AR-15; the part of the gun that requires a serial number.  ‘Solid Concepts’ printed a fully functioning metal, M1911 pistol.  At the moment, it’s problematic because someone who otherwise could not pass a background test for a firearm license, could potentially manufacture regulated part(s) at the cost of a printer.  For the future, it becomes more problematic if 3D printers become less commercial, and more affordable and applicable for the everyday consumer.  The access kids will have to 3D printers in their households will present a new problem not seen before with the advance in technologies.  To prevent persons from being able to manufacture or sell printed firearms/parts, new laws need to be passed to accommodate the ever-fast growing pace of technology.