Rapid prototyping. Additive manufacturing. 3D printers do that. (Remember, a 3D printer “prints” three-dimensional objects by producing layer by layer the object desired- with light-activated or heat activated raw materials.) And, I’ve written about them for a while now. When I first began using them, their prices were sky high. And, like laser printers that have dropped in price from $2K to under $ 200, 3D printers can now be bought or made for $ 400 to $ 1200. (Note that 3D printers more closely resemble inkjet printers.) And, the size of some of them are pretty compact, sitting on a desk. Of course, the parts these smaller units made are limited in size (kind of toy-like), but…
The objects are designed from scratch with software- or via scans (three-dimensional) of existing items, that are then converted to computerized designs. And, there’s virtually no wasted raw materials when a piece is made by 3D printing. Imagine seeing something you like, scanning it in, encoding it (actually the computer does that) and within an hour or two- you have an exact copy. Or, consider a company that would no longer need to maintain a warehouse chock full of spare parts; instead it would have a computerized database, a 3D printer, and can knock off a part needed on demand- even for a discontinued item.
Right now, Fujifilm is tested the waters. It is test marketing a kiosk-type system. Just like you see in stores that print your photos from CD’s, cameras, or USB devices. Except this will be a designed object that will be produced, as a personalized gift.
The problem is that this concept is still a way off for the average Tom or Sally- even for the talented Greg or Mary. The software for the printer is not exactly child’s play, one must understand the rheology (flow) and temperature characteristics of the raw materials, etc. And, like was true years ago, the instructions don’t always match the product characteristics. So, this is closer to the bleeding edge- still.. (Unless, of course, you spend a lot more money to obtain the crackerjack printers, CAD/CAM software, and really know your stuff.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-XeZHJ3dMQ
But, once that’s conquered, we have a whole new world. Intellectual property? It’s probably a thing of the past. If we can scan an object, it’s yours. Can you imagine those lawsuits? And, if someone prints a replacement part for a product, and the product fails- who is at fault?
There are many articles found on this blog about 3D printing. Want to see them again- check out 3D in the index to the right…
Every time you write about 3D printers, Roy, I want one. I have no clue exactly how I’d use one, but they sounds just so neat I know I’d find some artistic purpose. Great post, Dr. A! As always, you have the cool toys!
Lisa Brandel recently posted..The Painted Lady by Lisa Brandel
These toys are cool, Lisa. (Of course, NOT when they are printing. Then, they are hotter than Hades…)
And, what they make is… everything!
Roy
I have enjoyed your blogs about these printers in the past. It baffles my mind how printers can do that but a lot baffles my mind so we won’t go there… I sell personalized products for kids so I can see the amazing things that could be done with the scannable technology in that area.
shawn recently posted..Free Small Report: Top 5 Things To Think About In Marriage.
You bet, Shawn…
Imagine if you provided a 3D plan for one of the characters in your books, so that the parents could “print” the object for the child to hold as the book is read to them…
Thanks for the comment!
Roy
Fascinating legal issues – perhaps the regulation will come via the “ink” cartridges that will track and keep a record of each item produced, which then must be submitted for screening…regardless it’s definitely an interesting discussion!
Tor Constantino recently posted..Love – Finding a Definition That Works
Tor:
I wonder if the “ink” registry will work, per se. Oh, yes, it can be used by the manufacturer of record to prove what is theirs, but I am fairly certain that the knock-offs (hello, China) will be less scrupulous.
Roy
Yeah, I have been waiting for this. The world can move forward more quickly if we get the basics of creating objects out of the road. Then we can really start to think.
Peter Mead recently posted..Bendigo Web Design & how to choose a WordPress Consultant
I think thinking (gotta love that construct) is part and parcel of creating, Peter! But, we certainly can expand creativity to more individuals if they can more easily “show” what it is they want to provide to the world.
Roy
Great post Roy. I have been following the 3D printers too. I love the fact that they are dropping in price. It is an amazing concept and idea to be able to print pieces and parts of things that you need. But like you I wonder how that effects intellectual properties and legal responsibility. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the near future. One thing I really liked though was that this new generation is more into pictures and less into words. Guess you want to be in on the new crowd you better have instagram and pintrest.
Gen recently posted..Keep It Simple
Gen:
I am not sure how Instagram or Pinterest will have any effect one way or the other on 3D printing. Unless, you are just indicating that folks may not want to read on the web and look at pictures. I feel that is a totally different issue (and, not certain that it is correct, either) than the ability to print “objects”.
Could you please elaborate as to your concept? I would love to continue that thread!
Thanks for the visit AND the comment.
Roy
Amazing Roy! Sounds like technology is growing at such a rapid pace our legal intellect needs to catch up. There are already ‘issues’ with people sharing other images on Pinterest so I can’t even imagine what will happen when we can ‘scan’ objects!! Let the find begin, lol.
Lynn Brown recently posted..Realistic Social Media Strategies For Your Business
You got the gist of the problem right there, Lynn…
I just hope it does not become the lawyers’ relief and retirement act…
Roy
Hi, Roy! I am very impressed by the 3D printers and their applications, but I am even more impressed by your response to Shawn’s comment. That surely opens many leads to imagination.
Yup, Gustavo!
I see many opportunities for 3D printing (and a whole bunch of other technologies). It’s why I tend to develop new products and processes- they tend to gush out of me. (Sometimes, they leave me totally energy depleted, too!)
As with any type of technology, it takes time to catch on and to learn how to use. I like the idea of 3D printers but can we live without them? Of course. The fact that it’s a cool product that can make personalized products makes it a good business idea. I wonder if manufacturers will get out of the “stock up” mode and rely on a machine like this. Maybe eventually. The question will be whether or not it can affect the bottom line. Once again you’ve found another interesting product. Thanks for sharing it.
Lisa Kanarek recently posted..Use the Pumpkin Plan to Grow Your Business
I believe the bottom line is already there, Lisa. We have been using CAD/CAM systems to design prototypes for new products for a very long time (more than a decade). And, we now have gotten pretty good at the “printing” end of things. (There’s lots the “manuals” (giggle, cough, throat clearing, eye crossings) don’t provide, as yet.) But, we’ve also made “finished goods” that have limited product runs.
When you compare the need to prepare molds and make full blown products, this 1 1/2 step process is much more elegant- and, for short run productions, cheaper by a long shot. As such, we see manufacturers will use this concept to produce their replacement parts, as their existing stock of parts gets depleted.
It’s going to get very interesting very soon…
Roy
Learning is a process that an individual will be encourage to establish new ways in designing and manage best development on creativity.
From your mouth to our ears. Thanks for the visit and the comment, Stanley!
Hi, this is a pretty cool Blog about Rapid Prototyping! Thanks for this! Greetings from Germany
@rapid prototyping recently posted..3D Scannen
Thanks, Dr. Dozz, for the visit and the comment. I have more than a few posts about 3D printing. I hope you enjoy them all!
In developing each designs for acquiring new details for an attractive views to have a new development in being artistic for getting more ideas for designing.
It is frustrating when vehicle pieces are no longer made and there is no stock of it anywhere. Hopefully this will turn around quickly.
James recently posted..New 3D printing materials and advanced 3D printing technology videos