5 Amazing Things Made Using A 3D Printer
3D printing has long been the stuff of dreams for many of us who've dreamt of seeing the day when we can simply design and print the gadgets, clothing, and shoes we want and need. What a world it would be if we could all have the hottest clothing trends and the coolest devices without making multiple purchases, right? Although the invention of 3D printing allows us to dream that we might one day have this miraculous tech setup in our own homes, the unfortunate truth is that even bulk manufacturing isn't quite ready to introduce 3D printing into its production efforts.
According to industrial manufacturing experts, mass 3D printing manufacturing will require a workforce with specialized individuals to effectively execute a quality 3D printing process at scale. In other words, if you're not an engineer, 3D printing your own smartphone might not be in the cards quite yet. However, that doesn't mean you can't get excited about where things are headed.
Here are five awesome things that have been created using 3D printing that illustrate how far the technology has come and where it might be headed.
1. Instruments
One seriously awesome thing that engineers have been capable of creating with 3D printing is instruments. From electric guitars to horns and synthesizers, we've been able to create a variety of fully functional instruments with 3D printing alone. You can check out some of the 3D printed instruments here.
2.Custom Cars
In 2014, Local Motors created the first 3D printed car made entirely out of 3D printed parts. The car was debuted at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago that year. The car's creators named it the Strati. The Strati took just 44 hours to build.
Local Motors plans to make another version of this vehicle that is road ready. They hope to build a number of micro factories in coming years to produce more 3D printed cars for retail.
3. Fabrics
Members of the fashion industry have expressed concern over 3D printing since its introduction. Their fear is that one day consumers will simply be able to print the items they produce to achieve the ultimate knock-offs.
For now, 3D printing isn't quite mainstream enough for that to happen. However, the existence of 3D printed fabrics certainly shows promise that 3D printed clothing could be a mainstream option in the future.
4. Buildings
Sure, cars, clothing, and instruments are pretty cool, but imagine if homes, restaurants, storefronts, and office buildings could be 3D printed to decrease production costs and increase efficiency?
Well, engineers are coming close. Engineering teams have been capable of erecting apartment buildings, office buildings, and life-size castles using components made from a 3D printer.
5. Cameras
One of the coolest things we can make from 3D printing might not be the biggest, but it sure is complex. Engineers have created a functional camera, lens and all, using 3D printing. The creator used acrylic to replace glass for the lens.
Although the images the camera produces aren't perfect, the imperfections actually give each shot a little more character. You can check out some of the photos taken with the first 3D printed camera here.
Although it's not quite possible to 3D print your own car or clothing just yet, these awesome innovations show that it is in fact possible. They might also indicate that 3D printing could go mainstream soon. In fact, back in 2014 Digital Trends predicted that given the field's progression, 3D printing could go mainstream by 2019. Here's hoping!
