Intro to 3D Printing
This week’s introductory video, “Intro to 3D Printing” explains how 3D printing works. Highlighted is big news that several months ago China’s WinSun Decoration Design Engineering Co. “printed” a five-story apartment building with a large 3D printer (20 by 33 x 132 feet). Large pieces were printed at WinSun’s facility. The building was then transported and assembled at the site, insulated, and reinforced with steel.
3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing is going to change people’s lives on a global scale.
Labor markets are already being transformed by 3D Printing technology. GE is using 3D Printing to produce jet engines and other parts that are lighter and more elegant. Lockheed Martin and Boeing use 3D Printing to print aerospace and defense products. Invisalign uses the technology for dental devices. Consumers can print shoes and other fashion items that fit perfectly.
Online “makerspaces” have emerged. Submit CAD files online and have products printed for you and shipped to your home. Purchase designs from other users. Pirates and hackers are starting to catch on. Pirate Bay recently started facilitating file-sharing in a whole new category: PHYSIBLES – peer-to-peer file-sharing of digital files for 3D printing.
Gartner analysts predict intellectual property losses of $100 billion per year by 2018.