The technology in our modern day society has vastly evolved in the last 100 years. We began with basic computers that could only do mathematical calculations to smartphones and laptops that have a wide variety of uses and features. One of our more recent leaps in technology are 3D Printers.
How it works
The printer uses a digital model to create three-dimensional solid objects can be shaped in any way. It lays down layers of liquid or powder material to build the model that follow cross sections. The cross sections are then joined to create the final shape. Here is a video demonstrating how the printer works:
Uses
3D printers have shown to be more useful than for printing models of toys and objects. Researchers have used 3D printing to create inexpensive and realistic prosthetics and replacement bones. Architects have been able to create 3D models of buildings. On a more controversial note, people have been able to even print functional gun models using a 3D metal printer. Everyday, researchers, scientists, more are finding new ways to use 3D printing to enhance our way of life.
Price
3D Printers have an extremely large range of pricing. Smaller printers that can be used at home can cost around $200 while large printers used for research and science can cost up to $800,000.
One of more inexpensive 3D printers is the Cube 3D, which can be used for small projects and fit right in your home.
Sources
Boboltz, Sara. "11 Amazing Ways People Are Using 3D Printers For Good, Not Guns." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 15 Nov. 2013. Web. 15 May 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/15/3d-printer-inventions_n_4262091.html>.
3ders Staff. "Price Compare - 3D Printers." 3ders.org. 3ders, n.d. Web. 16 May 2014. <http://www.3ders.org/pricecompare/3dprinters/>.
3D printing is definitely growing. The concept of creating dummy prototypes of products has been around for a while, but for the average person, there has not been such easy access to creating the prototypes. 3D printers are a great way to expand the market and allow for more people to create multi-dimensional products. I believe that there will be many more innovations because of the availability.
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