3D Printed Buttons from Studio Famke Roefs are examples of 3D printing. Images courtesy of Gestalten

BOOK REVIEW

The endless possibilities of 3D printing come to the fore in Printing Things, an inspirational book that explores the creative potentials of 3D technology and 3D printers

 GERMANY—As the 3D printer technology improves, they are becoming commonplace. In a matter of years, they will be found workshops, offices, and homes.

The opportunities from 3D printers are endless. Users will be able to print out small pieces of furniture, prototypes, replacement parts, and even a new toothbrush on-site at any time.

Already, the endless possibilities of 3D printers are shaping new production methods. Simultaneously,  business models are developing and tagging along with a new visual language of multidimensional formal explorations. At this time, those who can afford  3D printers are printing 3D objects and complex forms that were previously impossible to achieve with traditional methods.

3D Printing Technology

Printing Things, a new book examines the endless possibilities of 3D printing. This book is an inspirational and understandable exploration of the creative potential of this new technology. It introduces outstanding projects people can do on their own. Additionally, key experts and the newest technologies are giving a pride of place. Printing Things also delves into the complex topics that these paradigm-shifting technologies bring up, such as how to handle copyrights and seamless manufacturing.

Designers, trend scouts, scientists, and companies all agree—the golden age of 3D printing has now begun. In all likelihood, this development represents the largest technical upheaval in manufacturing since the invention of the lathe.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing or additive manufacturing is the process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The complex three-dimensional objects are built-in layers out of liquids or powder. Given current advancements, 3D printers will soon be found in more and more workshops, offices, and homes. With them, people will be able to print out jewelry, small pieces of furniture, prototypes, replacement parts, or even food at any time. In the near future, if we forget our toothbrush on a trip, we can simply print out a new one in our hotel room.

The book presents some important examples of what 3D printing can do and be used for now and the future.  Here are a few examples:

• Consumer products and design (Eyewear, footwear, design, furniture)
• Industrial products (manufacturing tools, prototypes, functional end-use parts)
• reconstructing fossils
• replicating artifacts such as sculptures, masks and totems
• movie props
• prosthetics
• Architectural scale models and Marquette
• reconstructing evidence and crime scenes

In the meantime, as these production processes become reality, completely new visual languages and business models must develop along with them. Forms and constructions that were previously impossible to achieve with traditional methods can already be printed out.

3D Printers and Software

Additionally, Printing Things offers both professionals and interested laypersons an introduction to the paradigm-shifting topic of 3D technology. The book not only provides a useful overview of machines, tools, and processes but also showcases trendsetting designers and their projects.

Already, software designers are creating software that will make it possible for different industries to create objects faster and proficiently. Automotive, construction, aviation, consumer products, healthcare, education, and other industries see the value of 3D printing. Accordingly, they are investing in 3D printers and assisting in developing 3D Softwares.

Love of Technology

Sharing a love of technology and experimentation, a new generation of designers and creative outsiders can hardly wait to explore the potentials and boundaries of 3D technology. The race is on for anyone to come up with the services and products that will best appeal to a mass market with a growing sensibility for design. Against this background, Printing Things is an essential guidebook for today and tomorrow’s cutting-edge design professionals, tinkerers, and companies.

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What do you think about 3D priting and its endless possibilities? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment.