Intro:3D printing will allow developing nations to build their own high-tech medical and computing equipment and narrow the gap between the advanced nations and the rest
It is still too early for you to have your new house printed in India by a using a 3D printer, but few years down the line it might become common for houses, large or small, to be printed, instead of being built by traditional methods. Many international companies have already developed large printers that can print durable houses in an environment friendly, efficient and fast way. Recently a housing company in China printed ten liveable houses in a single day, and the cost of constructing each house came to around Rs. 350,000 only.
With improvements in 3D printing technology, the quality of printing houses can be further improved and the costs can also come down in a period of few years. This new construction technique means that affordable housing could be created faster than ever before, and there are even hopes that skyscrapers could be erected using the same technology. It is expected that someday we will be creating something as large as skyscrapers by using 3D printing technology.
3D printing technology is already being deployed by certain industries in the advanced countries. Boeing, GE and other industry leaders are manufacturing state-of-the-art aerospace equipment with the new technology. It has been recently revealed that NASA, using Zero-G technology, is conducing research on how 3D printers will one day be used in space. The rate at which 3D printer is being deployed is advancing at a staggering rate. Now some leading car companies are working on 3D printed cars.
The first 3D printed sandwich was recently created in England, heralding the possibility of a man-made food supply. Perhaps the most optimal usage of 3D printing technology could be in the area of healthcare and medicine. Research and development of 3D printing-based medical techniques have already saved countless lives and opened the doors to previously unimaginable possibilities in medicine. A not-for-profit company called ‘Not Impossible’ has started printing low-cost prosthetic arms for people, who have lost limbs in the war-torn Sudan.
The technology can be used to improve the quality of people’s lives and also to save lives. The wait for new organs for those in need of implants could end, as printed livers, ears, hands, and eyes, that are personalised for the patient’s exact needs, will become easily available. It is certain that hospitals will provide 3D printing of skin grafts within the next decade. Joint and knee replacements have already been revolutionised by 3D Printing technology.
Experts feel that in a few years, 3D printing will allow developing nations to build their own high-tech medical and computing equipment and narrow the gap between the advanced nations and the rest. The potential and the ramifications of the 3D printing technology are wide ranging, not only for the people, but also for the businesses and the government. As the prices of the 3D printers come down, many people will be able to afford them. People could start having 3D printers in their home to print small devices and things like pens, cups, spoons, artefacts, etc.
According to the data that is currently available 3D printed material is not only more convenient, it is also cheaper. The company called Shapeways(http://www.shapeways.com/), a leading 3D Printing marketplace and community, has already become very popular.
-Anoop Verma
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