Why Does 3D Printing Matter?

Last updated on December 14, 2015

We have all looked back at the way computers looked in the early days of computers and laughed. In a few years, we will be doing the same thing with 3D printers. Right now 3D printers are often large machines that are pricey. Only the elite in an industry are able to get their hands on a 3D printer and it can be difficult to understand how 3D printing will impact your life. Even if you are an average American, it is important that you understand how integral, 3D printing is going to be in years to come. When you think about a 3D printer do you think about any implications that the printer would have in your life? Here are some reasons why 3D printing does matter in your life.

Design

Many people have a hard time understanding that even outside of the world of technical science, 3D printing is extremely useful. 3D printers have started being used in the design processes of a variety of products. If you think about it, using these printers in the design process makes perfect sense. Rather than using valuable material to create a mockup, a 3D printer can provide a company with a reliable mockup or a product. Working through any design flaws is much easier when you are able to hold a tangible recreation of your idea.

Medicine

3D printing has had a huge impact on medicine. A knee replacement, for example, can be done with much better accuracy if a 3D printer is used. There are many people that get knee replacements right now and the knee replacement is not a perfect fit for their body. When a 3D printer is used, every single knee replacement that is created would be developed for an individual’s body. The implications for 3D printing in medicine are vast. More than likely, 3D printing will impact someone that you know, or will impact you in the world of health in your lifetime.

Home Use

Although we are far from having a 3D printer in every American home, when 3D printers do become a technology that is common in a home, there are many things that the average family can use a 3D printer for. Can you imagine being able to customize anything that you want? Being able to tailor your stuff to ensure that it is exactly what you want has never been easier. It is important that you keep your eyes open for 3D printers in the future. Once they become a common technology at home, it will be hard to imagine your life without it.

3D printing may be hard to conceptualize right now, but all technology takes a while to integrate itself into a technology. Make sure that you understand how you are going to integrate 3D printing into your everyday life. Then, you can be sure that you are able to stay ahead of the curve and are able to use technology that is being used everywhere else in the United States. Your 3D printer may take some time to come to fruition, but don’t be afraid to keep your eyes open.