10 Fascinating Unknown Facts About 3D Printing

Most people are aware that 3D printers can create models and even smaller plastic replicas of computer-generated ideas, but there is much more to this nifty creation than meets the eye. Here are the top 10 most fascinating facts about 3D printing that you probably didn’t know about.

1. 3D printing can be used for Nano and Micro designs

3D Printed Battery Tiny Battery (Image Credit: Ke Sun, Teng-Sing Wei, Jennifer A. Lewis, Shen J. Dillon)

A recently developed 3D printer has successfully printed objects as small as the width of a single strand of human hair.

Read more: https://phys.org/news/2013-06-3d-tiny-batteries.html

3. 3D printers can print functional automobiles!

3D Printed Car (Image Credit: Troy Stains)

3D printers have the potential to create fully functional cars in the future.

5. 3D Printers will eventually cost less than televisions

As they become more readily available, 3D printers will continue to drop lower in price leaving them open to public use.

Check 3D printers prices: http://www.3ders.org/pricecompare/3dprinters/

7. 3D print technology can be used to make weapons

3D Printed Guns and Weapons

Both individuals and the defense department are keenly interested in 3D printing for weapon creation. A man has already created a handgun using the technology, but there is no limit to what might be possible.

9. Designers can print out digital blueprints

3D printers make it possible to print out digital files and turn them into real life models.

10. NASA is researching ways to 3D print moon bases using moon dust!

3D printers may eventually be able to print a moon base for astronauts.

Read more: https://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/building-a-lunar-base-with-3d-printing/

2. Organ transplants and artificial limb replacements can benefit from 3D printing

3D Printed Organs

The tech world has successfully replicated human organs and fully functioning limbs as a result of research in the lab.

This article explores the future of organ transplants. The authors attempted to answer frequently asked questions such as what is human organ bioprinting, what body parts can (or soon could be) be 3D-printed, and if humans have successfully 3D-printed organ transplants yet.

Read more: https://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n8/full/nbt.2958.html

4. Astronauts could potentially use 3D printers for repairs

3D Printing in Space (Image Credit: NASA)

Making things in space is difficult, but a 3D printer would make it easier! NASA is looking into using these powerful pieces of equipment to help astronauts recreate the parts they need faster and easier.

Read more: https://www.nasa.gov/content/international-space-station-s-3-d-printer/

6. You can use them to print musical instruments

3D Printed Musical Instruments (Image Credit: http://www.classicfm.com/)

3D printers are capable of printing a variety of materials, including those needed to create musical instruments.

Read more: https://www.classicfm.com/instruments/3d-printed-instruments/#6iyAUhr0YGjQvJpL.97

8. Why shop for clothes when you can print them?

3D Printed Clothes (Image Credit: Nervous Systems)

Once again, 3D printing can be used to print clothing that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

Read more: https://www.wired.com/2014/12/dress-made-3-d-printed-plastic-flows-like-fabric/#slide-1