One of the coolest pieces of technology that has been developed in recent years is the 3D printer. 3D printing opens up a world of printing opportunities that paper and ink simply cannot even touch. If you can create it in a software program, you can print it. The sky’s the limit!
While many consumers new to this technology haven’t ventured too far outside of knickknacks and other useless creations, many users have set the bar high. They’re using 3D printing technology to create household items, other forms of technology, and even food.
Some of the best creations take a lot of time, printer filament, and patience. Read on to see some of the amazing creations brought to you by the wonders of 3D printing.
#1 – 3D printed medical models, organs, and body parts
3D printing allows doctors to create replicas of various body parts. This allows them to plan surgeries without the use of cadavers. Advances in technology have led to the creation of real working organs. Soon, doctors will be able to construct kidneys, hearts, and other organs without the patient needing to wait for a transplant.
3D printers can also create prosthetic limbs. Limbs created by 3D printers are less complicated and costly than those made via the traditional route. Plus, they fit better and look more real. That’s because they’re made of titanium. Plus, a 3D printer can create a replica of the arm or leg that’s intact by measuring the dimensions.
#2 – 3D printed light-up shoe
Just over three feet long, this lighted shoe is filled with so many intricacies. It looks like a light-up version of an Onitsuka Tiger shoe and was even used in a commercial. If you’re interested in it, you can have one of your very own. It costs 5,879.83 euros (or about $6,269.07) and, unfortunately, it cannot be worn. But you can hold onto it as a cool souvenir of what 3D printers can do. This interesting video shows you how it was made.
#3 – 3D printed food
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could eat whatever you wanted without having to leave your home and run to a grocery store or fast food joint? Believe it or not, that technology is now here. 3D printers have the ability to print food that looks good enough to eat. The good news is that you can eat it.
Instead of using melted plastic, you can use edible materials to create the meals of your choice. NASA is already using this technology to make food for astronauts traveling in space. As an added bonus, the printing plate is heated as the food prints, which cooks the food.
Although you can make pizza, chocolate, and other fun foods, 3D printers can also make nutritious, healthy foods. With this capability, it’s possible that someday these printers can be used to end world hunger. That’s a huge undertaking!
#4 – 3D printed clothing
Don’t have a shirt that matches your skirt? Print one! With the magic of 3D printing, you can create clothes tailored to your wants and needs. You can create shirts, skirts, shorts, pants, swimwear and more. Don’t have the right style of shoes? You can print those as well. You can customize your clothes to fit your size and in the pattern and
#5 – 3D printed guitar
If you want to make music, you can create a custom guitar. Use different colors of filament to print a guitar in the color of your choice. Complete with strings and soundhole, these guitars really work, thanks to the technology behind 3D printers. These creations make great works of art on their own. You can create replicas of the guitars used by famous guitarists and display them on the walls of your home.
#6 – 3D printed camera lens
Creating a 3D printed camera lens – a functional one at that – is no easy task. However, it can be done, as one person proved. The person replaced glass with acrylic and then put together all the small parts to create a functioning lens. It’s definitely not professional quality, but, as 3D printing technology gets better and better, we’ll no doubt be printing high-quality camera equipment in no time.
#7 – 3D printed car
Would you drive a car made of melted plastic? You may sometime in the future. 3D printers are capable of printing cars. Several car companies have already created amazing results. The trick is to build each piece layer by layer and then connect all the layers to create the vehicle. 3D printed cars are cheap to make and are fully recyclable. Don’t like the way your car turned out? Melt it down and make a new one. Plus, the customization options are endless. It’s easy to create a dream car that has everything you want.
#8 – 3D printed house
One company used an industrial-sized 3D printer to print 10 houses in one day. The parts were created and then put together like a manufactured home. This construction method is fully recyclable and is quicker than traditional home building methods.
#9 – 3D printed more 3D printers
Here’s a creation that keeps on giving. A 3D printer called RepRap can replicate itself. It prints pieces that can be put together to create another 3D printer. You can then use that printer to create more printers.
#10 – 3D printed gun
Probably the most controversial creation of all is a 3D printed gun that works. Without strict laws in place, 3D printing could make firearms accessible to anyone who wants one. You can easily find and download files that allow you to create your own gun in the comfort of your home. There are semi-auto and full-auto versions you can create. Given the power behind shooting a bullet, it’s unknown how long a 3D printed gun will last before breaking apart.
As these creations show, 3D printing has already become advanced. As it continues to grow in popularity, expect to see even more cool creations that will blow your mind. Who knows? 3D printers and printing supplies may soon become as popular as cell phones. Once everyone owns one, imagine the possibilities.
About the author
Tania Longeau serves as the Head of Services for InkJet Superstore. Tania oversees a team of Operations and Customer Service Reps from the Los Angeles headquarters. Before joining InkJet, Tania was a team leader and supervisor working for one of the biggest mortgage and real estate companies in the country. She is a happily married mother of one who enjoys spending time with her family and reading in her leisure hours.
Geek Native was not paid to publish this article.
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