In this report I will discuss 3D printing technology. The history of 3D printing will be discussed briefly. What 3D printing is, how it works, 3D printing hardware, the costs of 3D printers, and the fields that use 3D printing will also be discussed in this report. 3D printing is one of the various immersive forms and technologies that will be discussed at immersion 2015.
The first model of any sort of 3D printer was created in 1982 by Hideo Kodama in Japan. In 1984, the first working 3D printer was created by a man named Charles Hull who worked for 3D Systems Corp. Hull is considered a pioneer in the field of 3D printing and many of his techniques are still used in todays 3D printing technology. In 1988, 3D Systems Corp. created the first commercial 3D printer that could be purchased for $187,000. In 1999, a group at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine successfully implanted a bio-printed bladder into patient in need of a transplant. Since the turn of the century, many companies have developed different 3D printers. The price of 3D printers are decreasing for the general public. The decrease in price is making 3D printers easier for consumers to purchase.
3D printing is the process of making three-dimensional objects layer by layer out of certain materials (usually plastic-like). 3D printers work much like 2D printers except instead of projecting ink, they project whatever material is being used. The nozzles of the printer project the material both horizontally and vertically in order to create the three dimensional figures. Objects ranging from writing utensils to working instruments (like the guitar below) to prosthetic limbs and even a running vehicle have all been created using 3D printers.
3D printers have been used for a number of different purposes in various fields. 3D printers have been used in the medical field to manufacture prosthetic limbs for amputees and even organs (still in the middle stages of research). Their has even been a mandible (jaw bone) that has been created using 3D printing technology. 3D printing technology is also used for a variety of purposes in the engineering, architecture, automotive, music and military fields. In the field of music a man has even created his own company where he creates 3D printed guitars that work. One of his products can be seen in the image to the right. In the video below, you can learn more about his company, how he creates working guitars, and even see him play one of his printed guitars.Their are various companies that are producing and selling 3D printers such as Stratysys and Makerbot. For pricing information I went to Makerbot because they can be purchased by the general public whereas Stratysys produces and sells industrial 3D printers. On Makerbot's website (http://store.makerbot.com) there were 3 different printers that they had for sale. The most affordable one can be purchased, brand new, for $1,375. It is a compact 3D printer. The most expensive one can be purchased for $6,499. This one is much larger and allows the buyer to create larger objects.
3D printing is an immersive technology that has seen great advancements over the last decade. There are endless uses for 3D printers. Soon 3D printing will make production of various objects much simpler. The medical field will also greatly benefit from 3D printing. As I briefly mentioned before, 3D printing technology is being used to create bones, teeth, and even organs (possibly sooner then we think). Scientists are using tissues from a person to create organs in order to help those who are ill. 3D printing has grown a lot since the 1980s and will continue to grow.
In the link below, my professor, Professor Walsh, discusses what 3D printing is, how it works, and the many uses for it with Larry King.
http://www.ora.tv/larrykingnow/3d-printing-0_6cjt6y7epj8b
Sources:
http://store.makerbot.com
http://www.andysowards.com/blog/assets/3d-printed-guitar.jpg?b91b38
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