Researchers and engineers in America are constantly developing and thus opening new possibilities for three dimensional printing – and it goes beyond creating machinery parts for the industry.
Everyone who follows our blog knows that we have posted some exciting articles about 3D printing already. It is such a huge topic that keeps opening up new possibilities. That is why we once again decided to share some new insights with you.
From prototyping to real 3D printing
The first technologies for 3D printing were invented in the early 1980s. As it was considered suitable only for the production of functional or aesthetic prototypes though, it was more commonly called rapid prototyping. As the patent behind the key method of 3D printing expired in 2009 it revolutionised desktop 3D printing. The printers became smaller and cheaper enabling basically anyone to print tools and parts on demand at home.
Viable body parts made by a printer
In the VICE documentary “3D Printing is Changing the World” scientists and entrepreneurs are pushing even boundaries when it comes to 3D printing. The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) in North California is recognized as an international leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies. They are for instance developing methods to manufacture human tissue using specialized 3D printers with biomaterials and cellular components to fabricate functioning body parts.
It seems like an extract from a science fiction movie and Dr. Anthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute says:
“Science fiction really does predict many times real science.”
Revolution on the move
Experts see 3D printing being used pretty much in every product development process in the near future. It is entering a new phase, the phase of mass production.The next Industrial Revolution seems to be very close.
If you are interested in finding out more about 3D printing, check out our latest articles on “3D Printing a Human-Machine Interface Paper” or “How 3D Printing will Conquer Mars”.
