3-D PRINTING
Did you know that printing can be done in three dimensions instead
of just two dimensions? You are probably used to printing out all kinds of
information on paper either in black or color ink. Can you imagine someday
maybe being able to print out anything you want? It could be a pen, water
bottle, silverware, shoe, etc. the list goes on and on.
How does this innovative technology impact
Mechanical Engineering?
As you may have noticed from previous blog posts, Mechanical
Engineering is essentially the design of products, making sure they will work,
and fixing problems. 3-D printing will and has transformed this aspect of the
field. Now a Mechanical Engineer can use a 3-D print to examine and analyze the
newest car on the market and all of its parts. Or a Mechanical Engineer can use
the technology on the size of a original and improved tool they might be
working on. It is a whole different story when you can have the object in your
hands rather than trying to piece it together on paper or visually on a
computer.
The 3-D printer is correlated with some sort of computer
modeling program where the piece is calculated and constructed on. A file is
made that is transported to the printer producing a three dimensional model.
The piece is created by layers of various types of material usually plastic,
maybe metal. Having the ability to now print in 3-D changes the mindset of a
Mechanical Engineer. They now have to take into account that they could have
their design, in hand, within minutes. Since the object of study can be
available within minutes, Mechanical Engineers need to be selective on when
they are going to print the model because price will be a factor. Price is a
factor with just printing paper, can you imagine the factor it will be with 3-D
printing? Companies will weigh the pros and cons for their company about 3-D
printing to see if it is beneficial for their company and many limit or have some
regulation to printing in 3-D.
I know of one company that has a couple of 3-D printers and
I have seen them in person. I am not going to say the name but I know the
company uses them to build prototypes of their designs. The employee I talked
to while on a tour said it is great to have the product in hand while working
on the device they are constructing.
A Mechanical Engineer who is familiar and understands how
3-D printing work will be valuable in the industry since the printers could
also be related to and used in the manufacturing process. Mechanical
Engineer(s) and Manufacturing Engineer(s) may work together, and understanding how
3-D printing works will make that collaboration smooth and effective in the business.
Influence of 3-D printing on public
life?
When 3-D printing becomes cost efficient and affordable for every
person to use and possibly own, huge changes in the public life will be made.
Companies will have to consider that now people may be able to make whatever
they want. Just think, what if medical personnel had these printers in their
vehicles? The next time a cop does not have enough cuffs, they could print some
out and use them. Or maybe the ambulance runs out of a medical supply and
doesn’t have enough time to restock they could just print them out. What if
they were installed in grocery stores, post offices, libraries, and bank? Everywhere you turn could be impacted by 3-D
printing.
3-D printing’s effect on private life?
Your home could be reconstructed with the access to a 3-D
printer. Could you imagine being able to print out household appliances or
parts for the appliance? No more making an extra trip to the store to find some
random piece needed to fix something that is broken. Next time your lamp burns
out use a 3-D printer to print out a light bulb. That is not possible now but
might be someday.
Companies that use Mechanical Engineering techniques and employees
would find themselves in a fierce competition with citizens and other companies.
They would have to come up with a strategy to design and market their product
better than one that could be made by a 3-D printer in a home. Because like the
video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0EJmBoLq-g,
said, “Walmart in your home.” You might not have to leave your house someday (which
would be sad if no one left their home!).
3-D printing technology is prevalent and present. Someday it could
be right in your backyard or home!! Stop and think how 3-D printing
could radically change the world you live in and you will be amazed.
Cool videos to watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aghzpO_UZEInformation and ideas for this blog post gathered from these sources.
This was a very interesting article to read as I have not hear much about 3D printing before. I agree with you on a couple points:1) it will probably become more cost effective for public to use with increases in technology, and 2) the government will have a very difficult time making rules and regulation on things that can and cannot be printed using these 3D machines. Overall very good post. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, you explained Mechanical Engineering better in one sentence than I did with a whole blog: "...Mechanical Engineering is essentially the design of products, making sure they will work, and fixing problems." Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteSecond off, I definitely agree that regulation of these devices will get messy. I noticed some articles online regarding 3-D printing gun components. Sounds like someone in a government office is going to love the people who open-sourced those parts.
Third, nice pictures. Really shows one can create anything. Even movable pieces.
Great article! You explained the concept of 3d printing very well. I thought it was really interesting how you brought out the possible problems with 3d printing. I had seen an article a couple months ago about how some people were 3d printing guns, and it was stirring up a bunch of controversy. They were fairly innefficient at the time due to lacking technology, however in the near future it could become a serious problem.
ReplyDeleteGood job! It was interesting to read.
3D printing really interests me, and I am glad someone in our class posted about it. I liked the flow of the post and the pictures you included. As well as all the external information.
ReplyDeleteI liked this blog a lot! you did a great job describing the different aspects of 3D printing through pictures and videos! I also liked how you changed the fonts and colors of words - they did a great job of conveying your emotion! Good read!
ReplyDelete