Interesting Facts about 3D Printing: Past, Present and Future
3D printing is revolutionizing the way we do things. Not since the internet has one invention held the potential for creating so many positive changes in the world. Although you may not yet realize just how, chances are that it has already affected your life in some way.
The Continuing Evolution of 3D Printing
Chuck Hull invented the process of stereolithography in 1983. The process utilizes UV lasers to solidify photopolymers to create 3D parts layer by layer. After patenting the process, he founded the 3D Systems company, which developed the file format necessary to transmit data created with CAD software to a printer capable of printing 3D objects. That file format is still used today.
In 1985, Fried Vancraen experimented with depositing liquid paste on wire structures to create a unique gift. Although it did not utilize computer technology, his experiment was so successful that he went on to become the founder and CEO of Materialise, one of the very first 3D printing companies. In 2012, he was chosen by TCT Magazine as the most influential figure in additive manufacturing.
Last year, research scientist Joseph DeSimone made some startling predictions about the future of additive manufacturing, the industry name for 3D printing. CEO and co-founder of Carbon, he is set to receive the prestigious University Distinguished Achievement Award from Virginia Tech later this year. President Obama has also chosen to honor him with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and award recognizing people who make lasting contributions to the quality of life.
His work at Carbon resulted in the development of nanoparticle fabrication technology and CLIP technology, a rapid 3D printing method. CLIP stands for Continuous Liquid Interface Product. The CLIP process forms 3D objects from a liquid photopolymer resin instead of building the objects by layers. Utilizing a combination of UV light and oxygen, it has reduced the time for creating an object from 11 ½ hours to 6 ½ minutes.
Ways 3D Printing Has Improved the Quality of Life
3D printing is affecting education on every level. A community college in Texas has begun offering 3D printing classes. Educational programs are being developed for medical students who want to learn more about the biomedical applications of 3D printing. Engineering students in Australia are able to create their own designs using CAD and prototypes of their designs with 3D printers. While engineering may sound technical, many of their designs are projects for addressing the needs of diverse communities and providing solutions to social problems.
GE Oil & Gas has introduced the first metal 3D printers into their operating plant in Japan. These hybrid printers are ideal for manufacturing customized control valve parts that play an important role in conserving natural resources within the energy industry. 3D printing makes it possible to design valves in shapes that were previously impossible to manufacture, as well as temperature-controlled valves with custom flange standards.
3D printing allows companies to print orders on demand, which reduces the costs for raw materials and production as well as virtually eliminating waste. The additive process itself conserves materials, giving small businesses the opportunity to better compete. However, even large businesses realize substantial cost savings. For example, the Ford Motor Company estimated that it could save up to $493,000 per month by utilizing 3D printing on its production line.
Just in the United States alone, in 2014, 29,532 people received organ transplants. In 2015, the number rose to 30,973. The Organovo company has been experimenting with bio-printed liver assays and are now able to 3D print liver cells capable of functioning independently for over 40 days. The cells are being used to test potentially life-saving pharmaceutical drugs for potential side effects. Industry experts predict that they will be capable of printing complete functioning organs, including livers, hearts, and kidney