Defining 3D Printing
Discuss about the 3D Printing Technology for Legal and Moral Framework.
Over the recent past, there has been huge advancements in the field of technology. Today, people can produce or manufacture products at a speedy rate due to these advancements. A good example of modern technology include 3D printing. Though technology has led to increased productivity and efficiency, there are also potential disadvantages. It is therefore the obligation of technology users to ensure they use it within legal and moral frameworks.
The other impact in social life is in the music industry. The 3D modeling has made it possible for custom music instruments to be made at a faster rate n without much strain. It has improved the music industry and has also given a chance to the upcoming artist to fulfill the desires of the heart (Alhnan et al., 2016). Production of the instruments through the technology has made the instrument a bit easier and cheaper to acquire. The most important impact of the technology is in the medical industry. A couple of things have been made possible in the medical sector through this technology. One of the applications of the technology in the recent time is the prosthetic limbs printing. It is s encouraging seeing smiling faces of those without some parts of their body and replacement has been made possible by this astonishing technology.
Security and defense measures have been improved through the application of the technology thus making people feel safer in the society compared to the time before the technology was common. It is evident by the measure undertaken by the U.S Air Force to improve the efficiency of weapons and other components such as the parts of the airplanes. However, the technology has brought about some bad effects in the society (Lee & Dai, 2017). The ability of the machine to print working guns has been it possible for local people to have easy access to the dangerous weapon. The rate of crime has, therefore, increased destructing the peace that existed in the society before the technology was introduced.
3D printing can best be understood by defining a 3D printer. According to Kelly, “A 3D printer is a printer that prints in three dimensions”. Deriving from this definition of a 3D printer, 3D printing is therefore printing objects in three dimensions. This technology has transformed printing from the conventional two dimensional methods which lacked height to three dimensions that comprise of height. To further differentiate between the conventional method of 2D and modern 3D printing, (Cho et al., 2018) asserts that whereas ink is used in 2D printing, 3D printing mainly uses plastic in order to achieve a three-dimensional object.
Who invented 3D printing?
The first 3D printer was invented in the mid-1980 by Charles W. (Chuck) Hull. Using a technique known as stereolithography, a UV laser was used in an ultraviolet-sensitive photopolymer, which was used to trace an object to form on its surface. The polymer that was used would solidify wherever the laser beam touched it, which would result in the beam printing the object layer by layer according to the instructions in the CAD/CAM document. Hull founded the company 3D Systems in 1986, which is an organization that makes stereolithography machines. Today, the company sells 3D printers that range from entry-level kits to extremely advanced commercial systems (Manning et al., 2018)
The equipment is one of the leading and easy to obtain quality models easily for visualization any prototyping testing. It also uses additive manufacturing technology in displaying successive layers that are ABS to come up with a print up of three dimensions. The up mini 3D printer is effective it prints out at conveniences and gives the print out any time one wants it (Yazdi et al., 2016).
3D with the metal is an 1880’s printing method. The printing is applicable in the construction of worn motor shafts. In addition, spray welding gravity fed powdered metal has was applied in conjunction with oxygen acetylene torch (Cho et al., 2018). The technology has developed over time NASA developed a selective metal technique that has been successful in the building of rocket motor components out of steel. In future, the metal printing technology will offer high-resolution parts.
There are many file types used in the 3D printing, but they are also dependent on the design software used, the type of particular brands of printers and the 3D scanners compatibility. The common file types sent to the 3D printers are; STL, the standard file type connects with 3D printers and CAD software. Also the OBJ format it signifies 3D geometry, it is used because many design software’s accepts this file (Cho et al., 2018). X3G file is also used because of its compatibility with most 3Dprinters. Lastly, PLY is also used because they are scanner generated models that have to be transferred to design software before they are transferred to 3D for printing. The format name of the new 3D printer is 3MF consortium; the format will ease 3D printing and will successfully run Windows ten operating system.
3D printing has been used for quite some time. Manufacturers and engineering companies have been using these printers to design prototypes and designs for traditional manufacturing. Today’s 3D printers are a whole lot faster and more affordable than the printers used years ago. Today, companies can own a 3D printer for tens of thousands of dollars, which seems like a lot to an average consumer, but in the long run, it saves the company money and time in the prototyping process (Murphy & Atala, 2014). For example, Nike now uses 3D printers to create many prototypes of shoes and a magnitude of colors. Before these printers, the company would spend thousands of dollars on a prototype and have to wait weeks for it to arrive. Now, after spending a few hundred dollars, changes can be made to the prototype instantly on a computer and the prototype can be reprinted immediately using a predetermined plan provided within the computer software. 3D printers also allow rapid design changes and help improve inventory management. Warehouse space can be greatly reduced due to the ability for products to be produced on demand rather than in large runs or on a production line. Another benefit is that money can be saved on materials due to very little raw material is wasted when using a 3D printer (Youssef et al., 2015). Also, people in remote locations now have the ability to develop and fabricate objects that, a few decades ago, would have been completely inaccessible to them.
Up mini 3D printer technology
Through 3D printing, it is easier for individuals to modify products according to customers’ instructions and needs. This advantage is reiterated by (Wang et al., 2017) who posits that customized products can easily be created and produced in large quantities through an uncomplicated process made possible by 3D technology. Additionally, merchandise can be produced more rapidly and precisely as the process is computerized. People can today purchase a 3D printer at a cheaper price for use at home. It is worth noting that people in the modern world have divergent needs and requirements and hence may require to create specific products to meet their specific needs (Ryan et al., 2017). An individual can therefore create a product to meet his own need at home and thus making life easier. This saves resources as money that could have otherwise be spent through purchasing the particular product from a shop or other manufacturers is used for other purposes.
3D is today used to create prototypes. In fact, (Wang et al., 2017) assert that approximately 70 percent of 3D usage today entails prototyping. In layman’s terms, a prototype is a model or sample that is created for experimentation. Through the use of 3D, an individual can create as many prototypes as possible at a cheaper price until the specifications of the desired product are achieved. There are many benefits of creating prototypes in business today. According to (Wang et al., 2017), prototyping “Shortens the development life cycle, and enables easy experimentation and innovation”. Additionally prototyping allows the manufacturer to transform or adjust the blueprint of the product easily as many times as possible until the customer’s requirements are met. This prevents losses that could have been incurred through producing products that end up being rejected by the customers. Through prototyping therefore, the manufacturer has an assurance that the product is of high quality.
One of the disadvantage of 3D printing is an increase in counterfeit products. (Hodgdon et al., 2018) elucidates the fact that some of the products manufactured through 3D printing are not original or genuine. If such products are manufactured for commercial purposes, then customers would be cheated into buying fake products. Observed in view of the original inventor, 3D printing may deny the inventor the right to enjoy his innovation financially due to accumulation of imitations in the market. It is also worth noting that 3D printing will definitely have a negative effect on businesses all over the world (Yang et al., 2017). There is a possibility that some big retail shops and manufacturing companies could close as people will be able to produce or manufacture all items they need using their personal 3D printers and hence there will be no need to purchase products from shops. This could be extrapolated to include effects on the global economy (Zheng et al., 2017). Countries get their funds to run their governments from taxes. The ability of people to produce their own products at home will mean a reduction in purchases in terms of volumes and hence the amounts of taxes collected will be reduced. It is common knowledge that inhabitants in a country with insufficient funds to support its services are affected due to lack of enough funds to support health services and also other sectors of fundamental importance to their lives. (Hodgdon et al., 2018) also argues that 3D printing can make it impossible for governments to protect copyrights for innovators and designers. This is attributed to the fact that a person can create and distribute products without necessary registering a company.
3D printing with Metal
Within the next 10 years, 3D printers will be common household items. They will be found on workbenches, in offices, studios, and even in the kitchen. Families will recognize the value of having such a high-tech machine at their fingertips. If someone notices that the battery cover for their remote is missing, they will easily and quickly be able to print a replacement battery cover. Eventually, the consumers will be able to print a whole new TV remote if needed. Additionally, NASA has begun experimenting with 3D printers in space. The printers would be very helpful to astronauts when extra parts are needed for replacement or maintenance.
Conclusion
The use of 3D printing has potential benefits and limitations. In terms of benefits, 3D printing makes it possible for products to be produced at a speedy rate as compared to conventional techniques as the technology is computerized. Secondly, it allows prototyping or creation of an array of models for experimentation at a cheaper rate and faster. Other benefits include provision of job opportunities for 3D printer designers or innovators, eliminates the need for renting or construction of storage facilities hence saving huge sums of money, and enhances innovations as people try to design their own original and unique products. On the other hand, 3D printing could encourage production of fake products, encourage production of dangerous products or items such as guns, can contribute to environmental pollution, and can only use limited types of raw materials. There is also a limit in terms of size of products that can be produced, and could as well be expensive as an individual may be required to purchase printers of different sizes.
References
Alhnan, M. A., Okwuosa, T. C., Sadia, M., Wan, K., Ahmed, W., & Arafat, B. (2016). Emergence of 3D printed dosage forms: Opportunities and challenges. Pharmaceutical Research, 33(8), 1817-1832. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1007/s11095-016-1933-1
Cho, W., Job, A. V., Chen, J., & Baek, J. H. (2018). A review of current clinical applications of three-dimensional printing in spine surgery. Asian Spine Journal, 12(1), 171-177. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.4184/asj.2018.12.1.171
Hodgdon, T., Danrad, R., Patel, M. J., Smith, S. E., Richardson, M. L., Ballard, D. H., . . . Decker, S. J. (2018). Logistics of three-dimensional printing: Primer for radiologists. Academic Radiology, 25(1), 40-51. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1016/j.acra.2017.08.003
Lee, V. K., & Dai, G. (2017). Printing of three-dimensional tissue analogs for regenerative medicine. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 45(1), 115-131. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1007/s10439-016-1613-7
Manning, T. G., Jonathan, S. O., Christidis, D., Perera, M., Coles-Black, J., Chuen, J., . . . Lawrentschuk, N. (2018). Three dimensional models in uro-oncology: A future built with additive fabrication. World Journal of Urology, 36(4), 557-563. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1007/s00345-018-2201-2
Murphy, S. V., & Atala, A. (2014). 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs. Nature Biotechnology, 32(8), 773-85. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1038/nbt.2958
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Yang, L., Grottkau, B., He, Z., & Ye, C. (2017). Three dimensional printing technology and materials for treatment of elbow fractures. International Orthopaedics, 41(11), 2381-2387. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1007/s00264-017-3627-7
Yazdi, A. A., Popma, A., Wong, W., Nguyen, T., Pan, Y., & Xu, J. (2016). 3D printing: An emerging tool for novel microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip applications. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 20(3), 1-18. doi:https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1007/s10404-016-1715-4
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