Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Text
The Future of 3D Printing - From Prosthetics to Food Printing
3D printing uses computer-aided design to create physical, three dimensional objects layer by layer. Also referred to as additive manufacturing, it can print from a variety of materials like plastics, composites and even bio-materials.
While the technology is largely associated with DIY and Do It Yourself cultures, manufacturers use it to make machine parts, medical implants, furniture and guns. The most common form of 3D printing is FDM which uses nozzles to deposit bits of material onto a surface to create preprogrammed shapes. The process is quick and relatively inexpensive compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
One of the most popular uses for 3D printers is to print prosthetic limbs. It allows manufacturers to create limbs that are custom fitted to the patient’s body and can be made in a matter of days compared to months for traditional limbs. The ability to add details such as the Ironman symbol or Wolverine’s claws can delight children and adults who have lost an arm or leg, especially if they are designed in the shape of their favorite superhero.

There is a wide range of opinions about the future of 3D printing, but most advocates see it as an important tool in the healthcare sector. Besides allowing doctors to print custom-fitted limbs, the technology is lowering costs by enabling low-cost local production. Currently, the leading US maker of 3D printed limbs, Unlimited Tomorrow, was founded by a science-fair whiz Best VPN Services of 2023 kid who won a competition with his homemade bionic limb.
Across the globe, healthcare professionals are using 3D printing to create made-to-measure implants and devices. For example, surgeons have printed skin for burn victims, airway splints for infants, ear moulds for amputees and dental crowns that are matched to digital scans of patients’ teeth. The rail industry is another big user, using the technology to print bespoke parts such as arm rests for train drivers and housing covers for train couplings.
Other experts believe that 3D printing can help people to eat healthier, by allowing them to choose and customize foods that meet their energy and nutritional needs. It can also take some of the mental and physical work out of cooking, allowing people to enjoy it more often.
But critics of the technology worry that it will further distance people from their food’s origins and website technology lead to higher costs and waste. Others point out that this technology could benefit those who require precise quantities of certain nutrients, such as those with specific medical conditions that cause them to restrict their diets. This way they can eat tasty, nutritious foods that are safe for them. Moreover, they may find that printing food is just as fun and satisfying as making it at home.
1 note
·
View note