The 3D printing

The 3D printing has been invented by Chuck Hull and his first working 3D printer was created in 1983. It's a real revolutionary object and one of the latest most important innovation in technology. In fact, until now we can't print in 3D and do all the objects we want without assembling. Objects are formed by applying successive layers of material.

For the moment, this technology is just used in sectors like aerospace (engine parts), military (weapons), architecture, jewelry, industrial equipment....One of the most important applications of 3D printing is in the medical industry. You can print human organs using a person's own cells. Thanks to it, surgeons can save lives producing parts of their patients' body. Besides, thanks to 3D printing a new type of plaster has been made by an American student. In fact, it's revolutionary because it's a futuristic plaster cast : it's light, well-ventilated, more efficient than the other plaster and you can take your shower with it. Nevertheless, it takes 72 hours in order to realize that sort of prototype.

You can print in a lot of different materials for example : in metal, plastic, nylon.....and over a hundred other materials. Before manufacturing an object, you have to do it on your computer. It can also change the life of numerous persons because we can do whatever we want for example a chair just by pressing «print». Nowadays, a lot of things are built with the help of 3D printing and is going to impact so many industries.

Nevertheless, the weaknesses the 3D printing present are : the time it spends – the price of the machine : 3D printing costs $1,500 for general public. However, prices are decreasing quickly.

For instance, parts created through 3D printing are limitated in size ; it's possible to create larger parts but they're more expensive and also an unrealizable solution for many companies.

Also, the 3D printing spreads nanoparticles.

About ethical problems : it can be used by scientists to clone or also by terrorists to produce some plastical weapons undetected in the airports for example.

This technological advancement only depends on how it is used. If people lose control of it, it can become dangerous.

To conclude, I'd like to point out that this god send is really an efficient means of creating objects and it will be improved and certainly become one of the most important technology of the 21^st Century.