When you print in 3D, you take a digital file and make a solid, three-dimensional object. This is achieved using additive process- which is when multiple layers are laid down until the item is completely created. These layers are super thin and on their own could break very easily- but once it’s made into the full object, its much sturdier. 3D printing allows artists and creators to produce either simple shapes or even much more complex shapes using way less material than traditional manufacturers. You start the process with a model- which you can create your own or download it from a library. Many things are made from 3D printing, from eyewear, furniture, prototypes, prosthetics, movie props and reconstructing/replicating artifacts, fossils and evidence. 3D printing is commonly used to create complex shapes that would generally be next to impossible to create by hand.
One of the first 3D printers was known as Stereolithography, or SLA, and was invented by Charles Hull in 1986. It uses an ultraviolet laser to solidify the patterns traced onto resin and fuses it to layers below. Digital Light Processing, similar to SLA, uses a different light source like arc lamps, and also uses photosensitive polymers in it’s process. Materials used in 3D printing can be plastic, liquid, or even powder grains. 3D printing, and the idea of it, is nothing new; the general concept was described all the way back in 1945 in a short story by Murray Leinster and then again in another story five years later by Raymond F. Jones. The first apparent patent for 3D printing came in 1971 by Johannes F Gottwald when he patented the Liquid Metal Recorder.
Now, there are potential downsides to 3D printing, as there is with everything. Criminals could potentially make weapons that are unknown to officials, and potentially get away with crimes. However, this could also backfire on them- as the materials used in the printing could break or explode, thus injuring the criminal using it. Not even items used by criminals- 3D printed items used by innocent people could, potentially break under strain. It’s a process I feel we are still developing.
Cryptocurrency is a term heard by many and truly understood by few. It’s a digital form of currency that is nearly impossible to counterfeit and is generally not issued by any central authority. This makes them immune to government interference, which is great who wants the government tampering with your money? Cryptocurrency is based on a technology called blockchain, which is a form of ledger enforced by computer networks. The term ‘crypto’ refers to the algorithms and techniques that guard online payments. Not all eCommerce sites allow purchases using this currency though- even the popular Bitcoin is rarely used for transactions
However, there are downsides to Cryptocurrency. Many experts in cryptocurrency believe blockchain technology will disrupt industries like finance and law. The cost of cryptocurrency is also highly volatile and has been used in criminal activities. Criminals can launder money and make illicit purchases like drugs- and hackers use them for ransomware activities.
With more and more scientific discoveries and researching done, things like Cryptocurrency, 3D printing, biotech and Virtual Reality show a bright outlook for the future of Electronic Life. There will be bumps in the road, as there always is, but there is a light at the end of every tunnel.
What is 3D printing? How does a 3D printer work? Learn 3D printing