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Fabricated

The New World of 3D Printing

Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman

Wiley, 2013

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Professor Hod Lipson and tech writer Melba Kurman have written a fascinating celebration of 3D printing. They believe in and detail 3D printing’s transformative possibilities. They describe the history and current technology of the process, as well as what the future of 3D printing will bring, with its myriad industry-shattering implications for art, architecture, design, manufacture, law, food and education. Lipson and Kurman also make clear the drawbacks and limitations of the process. The 3D printing revolution will take place in small increments, and, like its products, the process will be specialized – even individualized – but life-altering and inclusive. getAbstract recommends this work to inventors, entrepreneurs, innovators, craftspeople, do-it-yourselfers and anyone seeking an early ride on a coming wave of economic change.

Summary

What is 3D Printing?

Imagine waking up one morning to the smell of fresh muffins. You already know that they are organic, low in sugar and personalized for your health, because they were printed in your own “kitchen food printer.” Personalized food? A food printer? Those are two of the almost countless possibilities that the emerging technology of 3D printing promises.

In the near future, with the right designs and a 3D printer, you’ll be able to create a variety of items, from replacement body organs to fabricated homes to rescue tools for miners trapped by a cave-in. Not every possibility is a reality today, but many are. Someday, relatively soon, you could own a “machine that could make anything.” Today’s 3D printing output would have seemed like science fiction a few years ago, yet NASA’s Mars Rover contains parts printed in 3D that couldn’t have been made any other way.

People often explain 3D printers by citing “the Replicator in Star Trek” – a device that could create anything the crew of the starship Enterprise desired. Usually, they only wanted “a cup of Earl Grey tea.” The “Earl Grey Syndrome” serves as worthy shorthand for people’...

About the Authors

Professor of engineering at Cornell University Hod Lipson directs the Creative Machines Lab. Technical writer Melba Kurman blogs on complex technologies.

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B. S. 9 years ago

I felt like a science fiction even though author points excuses.
A. G. 9 years ago

Good insight on the future of 3D printing...it is only a matter of time that a majority of consumers will have these in their homes. Could the emerging markets be the impetus to gaining greater scale? It would be more efficient and economical if consumers can make what they need instead of buying goods. Eventually these printers will be affordable for all class levels - similar to smart phones. On another note, this takes personalization to a new level!
K. E. 9 years ago

Fascinating! This, to me, was an excellent summary on what 3D printing involves, and how it's posiitioned to impact the future in area such economics and the legal landscape. It was easy to undertand and digest, without shying away from the complexitiy of this topic. Highly recommend!

Fabricated

The New World of 3D Printing

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What is 3D Printing?

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