Week 13 Blog Post
Explain the tech; what is it, how does it work, what hardware, software, and network does it need?
3D printers are very self explanatory in the sense that they print in 3D, capable of making all sorts of everyday objects and parts. To get it to print, the user must first create a 3D modeled object on a PC, using a 3D modeling program, and connect the 3D printer to the PC. The process for 3D printing is slow. The machine starts printing the bottom of the object, slowly making its way up, layer by layer, until the object is complete. as stated above, 3D printing requires the printer itself, a PC and a 3D modeling software to be able to use.
Is it currently available to the public?
3D printers are available for purchase to the public. The price for one, however, can range from fairly cheap to extremely expensive. If you are just starting out, most of the simpler 3D printers cost around $150 to $200, while more professional 3D printers can cost thousands of dollars.
Who (or what) invented or pioneered the technology?
Hideo Kodama was the first person to come up with the 3D printing concept as a prototype in 1981. In 1984, Charles Hull invented stereolithography, what you use to make 3D models to 3D print.
What “problem” does it solve for its users?
3D printing solves every problem as long as the problem requires an object to resolve. The fact that 3D printing is not limited to one material means you can create nearly anything as long as the material is supported and you can model it on a PC.
Are there any potential drawbacks or dangers of using the tech?
3D printers take up a lot of energy and can also give off radiations that can be dangerous to the human body. They are very expensive both in the time and money departments, and while it can work with a select number of materials, that select number is still very limited.
Offer one example of how widespread adoption of this technology might impact society.
Well, considering that 3D printers can make a lot of everyday objects, there wouldn’t really be a need for replacements for lost parts, as you could just 3D print what was lost. Missing a screw? 3D print one. Missing the back of your TV remote that protects the batteries? 3D print one. Missing your pet dog, Jimmy? Sorry. I hope you find him soon, but in the meantime, you can 3D print an action figure of him to fill the void.
Sources:
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/3d-printing-dummies-how-do-3d-printers-work-8668937.html
History of 3D Printing: It’s Older Than You Are (That Is, If You’re Under 30)
https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/3d-printings/