The next big thing in technology - 3D printing.

3D printing is the process of converting your digital designs into solid three-dimensional
objects. This idea might seem novel to some but it was actually developed in the late
nineteenth century and has been widely used for prototyping in several industries. Although
what has changed is that this technology has finally opened up to the consumer market and
is no longer restricted to manufacturing industries.
How does it work?
A set of simple steps needs to be followed to print a three dimensional prototype.
The first step is to digitally model your idea using any computer aided design (CAD)
software. Once a blueprint has been created the application breaks it down into multiple
horizontal digital cross-sections in a manner which the printer can understand and
reproduce in the exact defined specifications. The completed design is then sent to the 3D
printer.
Interestingly enough 3D printing actually employs the "additive" manufacturing process, this
means that the solid object is created by adding layers of the raw material as opposed to
"subtractive" process used in conventional manufacturing, through which an object is built
by selectively removing the raw material to obtain a pre-defined structure.
After this a material is selected which the printer would use to print the object, this can be
chosen from a plethora of options including plastic, rubber or metal. The printing process
consists of creating the object layer by successive layer. Different printers employ different
techniques for creating these layers. The printer continues to deposit layer on top of layer
until the completion. The various layers are automatically amalgamated to create the three
dimensional prototype.
The printing process can typically take anywhere between a few hours to entire days
depending on the complexity and size of the object to be printed.
What can you print?
Theoretically anything which can be digitally visualized can be printed. The only limitation at
present is the restriction on size and material which can be employed for 3D printing. It is

being extensively used for art, industries, space research, health care and across several
other varied industries.
Some of the notable applications of 3D printing are:
1. In the health care domain 3D printing has been employed to create hearing aids,
prosthetics limbs and dental fixtures. Researchers are working on printing human tissues
which could be transplanted in human bodies.
2. NASA has employed 3D printing to build parts of rockets and spaceships. Scientists are
already working on 3D printers which can be employed in zero gravity to use it on the
International Space station.
3. Companies like Boeing are actually using 3D printing to build parts to build an actual
airplane. Automotive companies are extensively using 3D printing to build prototypes for
engines and other parts of the vehicles.
4. Hobbyists and artists are using 3D printing to creatively express themselves and to
create shapes and structures which were previously considered impossible to implement.
Toys, sculptures, gifts and jewelry have been created using 3D printing in all shapes and
colors.
5. Disturbingly enough 3D printing has been employed to create prototypes of guns which
are capable of firing actual bullets. It can also be used for forging jewelry and art.
What is the future?
This is a disruptive technology which has the potential to transform multiple aspects of
several industries. The possibilities of 3D printing are limitless. The innovation 3D printing
can spur in engineering, heath care, architecture, construction, consumer electronics and
space research are mind boggling.
It is true that 3D printing can be adversely employed to create weapons in bulk or can even
be used to forge high value art and jewelry but its constructive applications will far outweigh
them.