Document Type

Student Paper

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

The world has seen many technological advances in the last 50 - 100 years. But one of the most interesting and newest ones is 3-dimensional printing. This new technology has been invented and evolved in just the last 30 years. What is 3-D printing? 3-D printing is a special way of printing, using materials such as certain types of plastic and following a 3-D model or 3-D software which tells a printer how to print something in three dimensions. This printer is also different than standard ink printers, in that it is shaped like a box and allows something to be built in layers to make it 3-D. 3-D printing has a lot of potential uses and ways to revolutionize technology in the automotive, manufacturing, aviation, medical, jewelry, and do-ityourself fields. It is something which has big connotations and might be used to make our lives easier and better. 3-D printing has only been around for the last thirty years and has grown explosively. Starting with Charles Hull, this technology has been under review and development since 1986. The variety of materials is growing which can be used in 3-D printing machines, such that the medical field is exploring the use of human cells in these machines and even the human cell itself being printed. The amount and variety of people who use and explore 3-D printing is also expanding. The diversity of benefits for which 3-D printing can be used is discussed as well as any negative connotations and concerns. We also take a look at how it is changing our world and the future for 3-D printing. From looking at its growth, history, uses, and connotations, this is one technology which I predict will be more present and used in our future than any other.

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