3D printing: Will it change our lives?
I’ll be honest, despite being a reasonably intelligent fellow; I still struggle to get my head around the basic concept of ‘3D printing’. I obviously understand the entomology and semantic usage of the words ‘three-dimensional’ and ‘printing’ – but what utility such a device could have is still perplexing to me.
After trying to make sense of pages of dry, sociological disquisition about the future of human existence, I was put onto a concept called ‘the third industrial revolution’. This idea, put forward by economist and sociologist Jeremy Rifkin in his book of the same name, outlines that the age of mass production is nearly over and we are moving towards a more harmonious relationship with Mother Nature. This being the case, Chinese and Indian industry will steadily decline as European and American industry did in the post-war period. We’ll still need stuff though and so industry must continue – but where? The answer may be at home.
The lower spray arm of my dishwasher broke the other day – essentially it’s just a long piece of plastic that sends water cascading to all corners of the machine. A repairman had to be sent for, he had to order spare parts and after weeks he eventually brought the replacement along and screwed it in place. 3D printing will eradicate the need for such a drawn out process to take place – quite simply you’ll order the missing part online, the digital file will be sent to you and then all you have to do is click print and your 3D printer will do the rest. Not exciting, not glamorous but certainly life changing and it will make lives a lot easier.
Shoes, ceramics, lamps, musical instruments, prosthetic limbs, food and guns are just a few of the things that 3D printers have already created – but the possibilities are endless. It may be hard to imagine that these objects will become as obvious a household appliance as a toaster (3D printed no doubt) but eventually they will. Conceptually they are a force for good and will alleviate much of strain on the environment, reduce pollution and make life easier than ever before…
…And here are three of the best personal 3D printers
MakiBox A6 HT
Best for… Value, at only $300 or £182 this 3D printer is great for those just starting out and just wanting to play around – at that price it’s well worth a pop.
The Buccaneer
Best for… Design, if Apple designed 3D printers, they’d look like this. You may have noticed how industrial and complex some 3D printers look – not this one.
RoBo 3D R1
Best for… The professional, if you are looking to use a 3D printer as part of your work (say if you’re an architect or designer) this is a professional – but simple – tool.
By Guy de Vito
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
