3D Printers

"3D printing will potentially have a greater impact on the world over the next 20 years than all of the innovations from the industrial revolution combined. " 

-Benjamin Grynol, author of Disruptive manufacturing: The effects of 3D printing

Bigger than the internet?

At first glance, does this look like a real gun to you? Could you possibly be fooled of its authenticity if I did not disclose information that it is in fact a phony? If you answered "yes" to both questions, you would not be alone. Now, what if I were to tell you that this gun was the result of a 3D printer? Many people might think I was joking, especially since the revelatory world of 3D printing has not reached all audiences quite yet. My mother, for example, has never heard of the concept of 3D printing, nor does she even grasp the concept of how something like that would even operate. Nonetheless, 3D printers are taking center stage in the world of technology, and the public is beginning to notice of one of the most innovative and revolutionary pieces of machinery developed in the last decade. Some assert that 3D printing is conceivably the largest manufacturing achievement since the Industrial Revolution and has the capacity to completely overturn the manufacturing industry in a matter of years. As quoted by Financial Times, 3D printing has potential to be an even greater invention than the internet. Is that an over-exaggeration revolving around excessive hype over the 3D printing industry? Before taking a side, it is important to explore the industry further and observe what is really at stake.

A brief history

The inception of 3D printers originated in a small town called San Gabriel, California, where a engineer by the name of Charles “Chuck” Hull worked for a small company that created protective layerings for furniture using ultraviolet (UV) lights. 

It was not long before he realized that he could take these coatings and apply the concept of layering them on top of each other until they eventually formed objects. Upon his discovery, he decided to explore the possibilities of building a machine that could essentially print layers upon layers especially for the use of building prototypes to test in products. The idea was cutting edge and had the possibility of replacing the traditional processes of mold making and casting materials. Not only would this groundbreaking process reduce costs, but it would expedite the act of creating prototypes. 

Hull called his invention “stereolithography,” which is a concept where thin layers are created out of malleable materials to form 3D objects and became the very first 3D printing technology. Hull went on to patent his product and co-founded 3D Systems, which is still today one of the largest leaders in the 3D printing industry.

The 3D Systems SLA250 stereolithography unit

The mechanics

What is unique about the process is an internal examination of the object being created is the primary documentation utilized in the blueprint. Printing then expands to the outer elements, meaning the procedure is from the inside out. The skeletal elements are essential to the mechanics of the object, and each internal chamber is meticulously detailed for accuracy in measurement and function. After a blueprint is designed to the specifications of the desired object, the 3D printer interprets the downloaded design by breaking down every detail of the object and translating them into printable layers. The chosen material powder is shifted into place and when hit by the laser beam, melts and solidifies into form. The following diagram shows the process of 3D printing and the major parts of a 3D printer. 

An interested buyer has a couple options when purchasing a 3D printer: consumer units or home-built machines. With the home-built machines, do-it-yourself kits are sent to an individual where parts are assembled by the purchaser in the home. The advantages to home-built machine are they are cheaper, more easily accessible, and owners generally have more knowledge on how to fix these machines since they pieced it together initially. One of the leading 3D printer companies in the world, MakerBot, is a New York-based company that manufactures and sells affordable 3D printers. The MakerBot Digitizer priced at $799 is the least expensive route in the company’s line, while other larger models range upwards of $6,500. 

DIY Home Kit

MakerBot Replicator

Endless possibilities

One year ago, I had the pleasure of visiting a MakerBot retail store in New York City where I observed the fascinating process of Replicator Desktop 3D Printers making new objects. The in-store demo I found the most interesting was the ability of the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner to scan an object and produce a 3D model of that object. I watched in awe as a cube the size of a toaster-oven formed a lifelike heart layer by layer using a nozzle that deposited plastic material onto the realistic model in the exactness of one tenth a millimeter. (economist) Because of the exact nature of 3D printing, printing objects is not always a quick process as many can take hours to fully print.

Owners of a 3D printer searching to download quality printable models should visit www.thingiverse.com, which is an online marketplace where people can contribute their designs. If users are particularly adventurous, there are programs available to create personalized blueprints. The vast selection of these digital designs include anything from shoes to weapons to musical instruments and can be utilized with all 3D printing systems. Being a violinist myself, the idea of customizing a violin to my specifications and printing it on-demand is an entertaining thought. The possibilities are literally endless.

In 2011, the worlds first fully printed aircraft emerged due to the innovation of a few engineers at the University of Southampton. These planes are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that flew flawlessly and took a mere two days to design and five days to print. The budget for the robotic aircraft came in at just $8,439.50, insignificant pocket change compared to the costs of a comparable UAVs. Also in 2011, Jim Kor of KOR EcoLogic in Winnipeg, spearheaded efforts to produce the first fully printed car complete with a MPG of 200 on the highway and 100 in the city. Named Urbee, the vehicle is not only incredibly energy-efficient but environmentally-friendly.

3D Printed Surveillance Drone

A Moral Dilemma


Being able to print virtually any object on 3D printers raises a lot of questions and concerns that deal with the ethical implications of the technology. Because these printers can be purchased at historical low prices for individual usage, it is difficult to enforce regulations within the walls of a person’s home. This complicates the matter of ethical considerations, especially legal issues, for a number of reasons. While 3D printing has a superabundance of advantages and extensive benefits, there are downsides to each groundbreaking advancement.

3D Printed Knife

One of the most controversial aspects of 3D printing is the capacity to print weapons in the privacy of one’s home. What is even more astonishing about these weapons is that they actually function. Being able to print a lethal weapon anytime, anywhere completely circumvents firearm governances; all it takes is a 3D printer, the internet, and a digital blueprint. Criminals would have instant access to weapons without the high costs and regulations. Consequently, consumers do not register these printed handguns, nor do they comply with background checks normally conducted with the purchase of regular handguns. Even more alarming is the fact that plastic firearms do not trigger metal detectors potentially causing major security breaches. Not being able to detect the printed guns at airports or government facilities could lead to major acts of terrorism.

Blueprint Design for Handgun

Saving Lives

Over the past few years, 3D printing has emerged in the field of health, particularly in producing medical implants. In 2013, 3D printers made medical history when a 3D printed jaw was transplanted into a woman from the Netherlands. These jaws are produced layer by layer from a titanium powder substance, meaning implants are significantly less expensive than a traditional jaw implant. With these types of implant productions, they are printed to exact specifications so almost zero materials are wasted in the process. It will be interesting to watch the advancement of these 3D printed medical implants and the various types of surgeries and transplants in which they are utilized.

3D Printed Artificial Ear

Organovo, a medical research and practice company, developed a bioprinting process in 2010 that essentially creates functional human tissue by printing layer after layer of human cells. These tissues are currently being built into human organs, heart valves, knee cartilage, blood vessels, and bone implants, all used for scientific research and drug testing. Astonishingly, the company claims that its 3D printer will produce a human liver by the end of 2014. Although the liver cannot currently be used for transplants, it is a major milestone in the journey towards being able to produce clinically-approved organs on demand suitable for surgery. Waiting lists of patients in need of organ transplants would     diminish, and more lives could potentially be saved by this radical invention.

3D Printed Liver Tissue