Redefining Printing..

When we say printing all we can think of is printing documents, photos or at the most textile printing. But here comes state of the art in printing industry, 3D printing! a third industrial revolution.

In layman terms 3D printing is nothing but deposition of materials layer by layer to produce a product. In engineering terms it is a form of “additive manufacturing”. Although it has been recently creating ripples right from aerospace to medical industry, 3D printing was first invented by Charles Hull in 1984 itself. But what has changed in recent years is the cost of the printer that is getting more & more affordable these days. This gives access to the end consumer to customize and manufacture their own product or parts say at an UPS store or even at home. Right from shoes to toys it seems to be a fun way of manufacturing or rather shopping. Just choose a design and then click print to have your item in front of you in no time.

Now coming to the additive manufacturing technique, compared to machining where materials are scraped to form a product, this technique aims towards zero wastage. Thats where British Tornado fighter aircraft is banking on. It has conducted successful test flights with parts made using 3D printers. Its metal parts were created by BAE at a Royal Air Force base in Norfolk for four squadrons of Tornado GR4 jets.BBC News reports the technology could cut the RAF's maintenance bill by more than £1.2 million ($1.96 million) over the next four years.

Next fascinating thing is its ramp in medical industry. 3D printers are being used to create prosthetic ears, nose and chins. Instead of casting, the 3D scanner just scans the patients face and prints it using pigment, starch, and medical grade silicone. Best thing is that when it wears out it can be cheaply re-printed.

Wow, its uses can go on and on but it has invited its share of controversies too. Risk of printing weapons by anybody and other ethical issues in medical industry has sparked debates. But still, as an end consumer I am eagerly waiting for the day where I can splash some of my favorite color or design on my shoes and bags :-)