3D Printing- World Changing
Specific innovation of
interest
3D printing is an amazing technology whereby you are able to duplicate things from your printer. It is not just a visual on a piece of paper, but an actual object that you can hold. The printer is also able to print out complex products which can move and turn like an actual object. However, due to the special material used to replicate the product, the material of the object will not be the same as the original. Nonetheless, its strength, shape and size is identical to the original product.
Rationale for
selecting this innovation:
This technology emerged in the market for about a decade and it is being used increasingly by many fields of jewelry, industrial design, architecture, automotive, aerospace, medical and many others. With the growth in the sale of 3D printers, it is becoming more affordable. It will be interesting to see how this technology can further develop to produce replacement organs which will enrich the medical field enormously. Also, as this technology becomes more available to the general public, it will definitely change the way we work. Instead of going down to the mall to buy a new washing machine because it broke down, people may very easily print out a new one for free! This of course will result in great implications for the world's economy as people may stop buying and just print products out of them computer. Just like how people download music or movies rather than buy the original Cd or Dvd.
Proposed approach to
development of paper
Introduction/ Background
1. What if you could get a
wrench or a bicycle for free by just printing it out from your own computer? Do
not be mistaken, it is not an image on a piece of paper, but a physical object
that you can touch, hold or even use. Is this possible? Well, in today’s world,
yes!
2. What is 3D printing?
3. Describe the process
of printing in 3D.
Historical perspective
1.How did we replicate objects
in the past?
- Hand made (no consistency)
- Industrial revolution
(factories)
- Printers (2D) (almost
instantaneous)
Current
situation
1. Replication
of products
small
objects can be duplicated by scanning it
into the computer after which customizations ( colour, size) can be made and it
is then printed out as an physical object that closely resemble the original
product in looks and function
2. Product
prototypes (mini scale)
Firstly, a
product design is made and then molded.
The mold is
scanned into the computer and it can conduct accurate conduct testing
Customizations
and improvements are made
Digital models are duplicated into physical prototypes
or production parts.
3. Discuss industries and
companies which are currently using it.
(eg. Automotive, Toys, Medical,
Footwear, Jewelry)
4. Benefits of using this
technology
Future consideration
1. Expansion of this
technology in other industries (Manufacturing, Medical)
2. Implications of
using such technology in our lives (socially and economically)
Hi Selene, TA here :)
ReplyDeleteYour outline looks alright so far, but I think the one challenge for you will be to find examples or applications of such technology right now and using them to vividly describe the 'Current Situation'. The other challenge is bringing your chosen technology even further. I'm not sure if you've read this article on the use of 3D printers to create blood vessels? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14946808
With 3D tech at this level now, you have to think even wilder and bigger when you write about the 'Future Considerations'.
Email me if you need help :)
Selene, this is a really great and fresh topic! I think your outline is clear and concise.
ReplyDeleteYou could also look into the impacts 3D printing might have on businesses, and maybe provide some current viewpoints towards this new invention- is it accepted? For example, if you're able to just replicate things without purchasing them, would companies "lose out"?
Also, how seriously do you think we can take this invention and will it really live up to current expectations? Based on your explanation during our group meeting over the weekend, you explained that it currently exists in a small market, like for replicating tools and how it has helped astronauts. Do you see this expanding in the future, and who else could this impact?
Good luck on your paper, let me know if you need help and I'm more than happy to help review your draft! :)
-Andrea Chong
Hi Selene!
ReplyDeleteYou have selected a very interesting topic and to me, this technology is still an emerging one in our society today. Your outline is very comprehensive and I think that you are on the right track.
For current applications, you can include the fact that a prototype can be created at a relatively low cost price, and engineers can test it out (whether it fits and can work with the machine) before committing to produce the real product. You can expand on this concept by relating it to the field of medicine (bone replacement and dental implants) and architecture (the building of a 3D prototype)
I remember you mentioning about printing human organs last week so you can mention ethical impacts that this might have on society. (Would this tech be slowed down by the excessive tests involved and would public perception on it change)
Also, this is definitely a change with disruptive potential and you might want to focus on that. 3D printing has the potential to affect mass production and there might be a large economic shift away from companies dealing with mass production.
Basically for every current application, focus on how 3D printing has created a disruptive change in the industry.
Do let me know if your need more advice or feedback! Will be happy to help!
Lenard