Content

3-DIMENINSIONAL PRINTERS:Technological Super Heroes

Potential Benefits

Three-dimensional printers have infiltrated almost every area of our economy. While many universities are abandoning their manufacturing departments, schools like California State University, Long Beach, are expanding their programs because of three- dimensional printers. (Anonymous, 2011 ) Manufacturing with this new technology could definitely be on the rise. Three-d printers can make cars, bikes, and even airplanes. The possibilities are infinite for the benefits of three-d printers.The Urbee a hybrid car that can go 200 miles per gallon was made almost entirely by 3-D printed parts.(Anonymous, 2011) “The strength of 3D-printed titanium can equal that of the traditionally machined metal, says Dan Johns, who is printing strong, lightweight metal parts for Bloodhound SSC, the rocket car aiming to break the land-speed record in 2013.” Marks, P. 2011). The United States Air Force and Department of Defense are looking in to the technology to make drones or UAVs and airplane parts. A fully functional drone has already been made in the United Kingdom. Southampton University Laser Sintered Aircraft (SULSA) took a total of five days to create and make and it flew easily on the first try. (Marks, P. 2011) Three-dimensional printers are also magnificent in the kitchen. They can make anything from cake(CNNMoney,2011) to spaghetti noodles and a myriad of things in between. Could three-d printers solve the worlds hunger issues? We may not be at that point yet, but restaurants and bakeries not just in this country, but around the world are using them all the time to create delicious creatively designed foods. Medical researchers are experimenting with creating bones, appendages and even organs using three- dimensional printers. Medical researchers are very excited about the possibilities of three-d printers. Three-d printers have already begun making tissue for skin graphs and medical equipment. (anonymous, 2009) There are companies that are even using three-d printers to make scaled models of buildings and houses. These same companies hope to one day make entire buildings using concrete shaped by 3-d printers. . Researchers, from the USC Center for Rapid Automated Fabrication Technologies (CRAFT) have already made a brick wall from a 3-dimensional printer. ( Reade, L. 2011).Three-d printers do not just create objects. They are creating lots of future scientist and engineers at several schools across the country. Three-d printing “helps a great deal… [with getting kids and parents interested in science and engineering] and the enthusiasm it generates is priceless”. ("3d printer brings," 2010) You may even be able to create clothes and shoes from three-d printers in the very near future.( A factory on your desk;. 2009, September) “Terry Wohlers, a consultant based in Colorado who monitors the industry(3-D printing), reckons the global market for additive manufacturing was worth $1.2 billion in 2008 and that it could double in size by 2015”. (A factory on your desk; 2009, September). You can make things that in the past were “too pricey and tough to make.” (Marks, P. 2011)

Legal and Ethical Issues

Three-d printers may take jobs away from some people. In the beginning we could see some job loss at the hands of another machine, but if in the long run it makes manufacturing more affordable. Perhaps we could see resurgence in manufacturing in this country along with more job opportunities for all people. A legal issue that we have seen arise on a global scale is that of intellectual property rights. We could see several more cases of intellectual property rights being taken. People could in fact steal another person’s ideas without giving any kind of credit.

Security Concerns

If you wanted to buy a three- dimensional printer and make Barbie® in your basement theoretically you could. Patents being stolen and copied and materials being created without permission of companies is a strong possibility with a three-d printer. Without government regulations or controls three-d printers could become the new wave of piracy. It could be a Napster like situation all over again. Technological piracy could rise to new levels.

Social Problems

Three-D printers are very expensive at the moment as well as cumbersome. With prices ranging from 1000- several million depending on the job you want the printer to do, and the company you get it from. (MOCK, D. 2010). They also are not very practical for most households, yet. The smallest printer weighs in at about 120 pounds, ( 3d printer brings, 2010). and some metal 3-d printers can fill up a large warehouse. (Imaterialise, 2010 ) Three-d printers are beginning to be marketed to the generally public, but only in an order online fashion, and unless you have a three-d printing facility in your area. It can be inconvenient. There are companies like Fortus and Objet that will print three-d items for you and ship them to you for a small fortune. In the future however you may be able to go to your local FedEx® and get a item copied for a nominal fee.