It wasn’t too long ago that 3D printing became the big thing in the news.
Stories have been cropping up showcasing the immense capabilities of this relatively new technology.
All industries seem to be taking full advantage of 3D printing in one way, shape, or form. The medical field, artistic industries, and other technologically driven corporations have found the ability to print their needed designs on demand to be an invaluable tool. As it stands, there are so many ways that 3D printing is being utilized in today’s modern workforce. New ways to use the technology is being discovered all the time to better improve the way our industries function for society.
A good example of an almost superhuman 3D printing ability is the printing of human skin to be used in skin grafting surgeries. Scientists have found many brilliant medical discoveries using the most up-to-date equipment, and 3D printing has begun to make a name for itself. 3D printers print “skin” that many burn patients have reaped incredible benefits from. Those who have experienced major burns or other distortions can now receive grafts in a timely manner and with as many grafts as are needed, so there is no possibility of running into a shortage when skin grafts are needed on short notice. What this proves to us as a society is that this relatively new technology may be capable of so much more in terms of medical development. Modern day prosthetics are becoming more affordable due to this technology.
Aside from skin grafting, dentists are also able to use 3D printing to capture accurate imaging of the insides of their patient’s mouths. This cuts down the need to perform imaging from the outside of the mouth through (albeit minimal) exposure to radiation that some imaging techniques still give off. It also provides a much more accurate representation of tooth damage, so that dentists are kept better informed.
As amazing as skin grafting and imaging teeth may be, 3D printing technology has also shown major promise in the area of part printing for planes. Believe it or not but plane parts have actually been successfully printed and used in finishing off the interiors of working planes. While it may not be perfected enough to safely use on parts outside of the plane, by printing the interiors, this saves plane manufacturers millions of dollars that would have otherwise been used to adorn the inside of their planes.
Another area of interest that has gained a lot from 3D modelling would be the art industries. Cake decorating has created edible 3D models that can be bought and consumed safely by cooks and customers alike. There are 3D printers that are designed to build only edible chocolate treats for those who enjoy creating more intricate treats for people to purchase. Along with cake decor, even working musical instruments have been made using 3D printing technology. Back in 2014, Lund University in Sweden had a whole band play with nothing but 3D printed instruments that worked just as well as hand crafted instruments when played. What this means is that musical instruments may become more affordable for the average consumer to purchase and learn to play at home.
Rapid advances have been made in many industries that utilize the technology using the proper 3D modelling programs. As it stands, it is only a matter of time before more industries start to reap the benefits presented in planning, designing, and implementing 3D models using 3D printing technology.
About the Author
Austin Winder is a Digital Marketing, Public Relations Specialist and contributing author at Higher Visibility from Memphis, T. He graduated with a business and marketing degree from the University of Memphis
Featured image: ©Microgen
