The benefits and risks of 3D printing

The benefits and risks of 3D printing

Firstly, 3D printing is older than what we might think. It first appeared in the 80s [1]. Chuck Hull is the founder and president of the technologic 3D domain [1]. This new, important and hyped technology revolutionised a lot of important domain like the architectural, designer and healthcare world. Specialist are confident that 3D printing will be revolutionised in the next years. The risk and benefits of 3d printing is important for our knowledge on this topic as well as for security reasons.

The production process of 3D printing offers multiple benefits compared to the older and less efficient manufacturing methods.  For starters, it allows to print more complexes designs and structures [2]. This geometric freedom allows to create things that wouldn’t realistically be possible by other means. Meanwhile, this helps realize the integration of architecture and arts combined. Also, the printing on demand is another benefit since it is all stores in a virtual library and can be modified at very low-cost witch allows to shrink the supply chain, the production line and reduces the amount of waste that traditional methods would have. cost effective [2]. There is even a study that shows that 3D printing saves 30-60% of construction waste thus reducing the environmental impacts of the production and construction process [2].

Even though it’s a wonderful invention, everything come with its difficulties. The risk of 3D printing includes conveniences such as cybersecurity risk, copyright issues and restricted size of the end product [2]. The construction process is automated, and all the information is in the 3D model, which puts a threat for the device which can now be hacked [2]. Another reason why experts can be sceptical about this new tool is because 3D printers currently generate only small 3D pieces [2]. If you want to create anything bigger you will need to print it in separate parts and join it all together after production [2]. Although it provides geometrical freedom, we notice nuisance in the method of printing because it is being limited by specific geometrical possibilities [2].

In conclusion, technology impresses us with all its new capability’s. We all know that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize a lot of industries even with its backlash. Since it has a high potential to lead to a more efficient and sustainable construction, I have faith for the development of 3D printers. It will surely change the world that we know today.  

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References

[1]: https://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-history/

[2]: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43452-020-00038-w

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