3D Printers.
The
act of 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) is to create a
new object of virtually any shape. The shape is determined by a
3D-model file which acts as a sort of blueprint. 3D printing is achieved
using an additive process,
where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes.
When these successive layers are combined, the output is a realization
of the desired object. In short, 3D printers work much the same as 2D
printers- except they use materials like plastics, carbon fiber, or
titanium to print in 3 Dimensions. Typical test-prints range from
teapots to dragon sculptures.
The Declining Cost. The Increasing Popularity.
In
the past couple of years, the concept of low-cost 3D printing has
captured the hearts and minds of everyone in the industry, and even
more. While low-cost 3D printing is still just out of reach, the fact is
that it’s on it’s way; the demand is here, and it’s only growing. In
line with this increase in demand, the cost of 3d printing is coming
down considerably, and the implications are far reaching and profound.
What Does this mean?
Well,
as 3d printers get cheaper, and more common, the range of things that
people will print is going to broaden. With this in mind, there’s talk
of how new laws will have to be placed to keep contraband under control.
After All, what stops anyone from just printing a gun in 3D? The fact
of the mater is that they will never be able to ban the production, and
this causes a large problem to society. Essentially, the laws should
hold for any contraban that is going to be produced within the comfort
of your own home. These laws should not differentiate between having a
gun you acquired off the street, from one you may have printed yourself.
But how far will they take these laws? will the laws take root in a
similar fashion to the music industry, making it illegal to give anyone a
copy of proprietary goods.
Truly, only time will tell.
sources:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/123724205/Fabricated-The-New-World-of-3D-Printing
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_common_3D_test_models
- http://media.salon.com/2013/01/3d_printer_guns3.jpg (image)
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