Have you ever heard of 3D Printing?
Let's pretend for a moment we can use our imagination to create objects. For example, we can create sculptures, clothes, shoes, prototypes, household things, small production parts, or anything unique. Then it would be amazing, yet at the same time it would change the whole economy and its perspective. Things would become different from what they are now. Do you think it is awesome or scary? In any case we do not have to pretend anymore because this technology is already here, and it is called 3D Printing.
In his article Introducing Video on 3D Printing, on the http://engineering.curiouscatblog.net/2013/03/03/introduction-video-on-3d-printing/, the author presents 3D Printing and its potential in the future. 3D Printing is a process of making a solid three-dimensional object from a digital file on your computer. A digital file like that can be downloaded from the internet or created by a regular user. After the file is ready for print, 3D Printer will start adding one layer of material (polylactic acid) on the other one in different shapes, and a virtual object will become solid. "I think the ability to print replacement parts is a huge benefit" the author says. Therefore, not only a broken towel hook can be replaced, but exact copy of patient's organ can replace the old one without waiting-list for a donor in the future. There is no need for inventory as a product can be printed when it is requested.
This 3D Printing technology is already used in variety of fields like architecture, construction, civil engineering, medical industry, footwear, and many others. We have already seen 3D printed from jewelry and musical instruments to Nike soccer cleats and "printed hybrid car of the future". I think it will be possible to design and purchase these items on the internet in the nearest future. However, 3D printing is in a very beginning now, so let's wait and see when it will be available for average consumer.
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