In a world where personal service and customization are differentiators in business, the 3D Print Show in London next week will provide a glimpse of how products that are now mass produced will in the future be “tailor-made.” It's already happening on a small scale, thanks to the introduction of tabletop-sized 3D printers. A outgrowth of computer-aided industrial design and rapid prototyping, 3D printing is now being used to produce art, food, musical instruments and even body parts. Earlier this year, the BBC reported that an 83-year old woman's lower jaw was replaced with a jaw implant “printed” in just a few hours from titanium powder and a special artificial bone plasma coating. In 3D printing, an object is first designed on a computer. The desired material for the object is placed in the printer and then the machine creates the object in very thin layers as per the digital design outlines. An increasing number of materials can be used to create a 3D printed object and the list now includes thermoplastics, ceramic powders, metals, resins, plaster, silicon, concrete, sugar, chocolate and cheese. In the future, it's expected that there will be 3D bioprinters that will construct human organs out of layer-upon layer of living cells. Over the last decade there has been steady growth in the production and use of 3D printers, but in the last twelve months, this cutting edge technology has exploded into the public consciousness. Now 3D printing has a place in nearly every industry and the 3D Print Show (www.3dprintshow.com) will offer examples of the possibilities that this incredible new technology holds. The biggest names in the field such as MakerBot, 3D Systems, and Autodesk will be on hand to demonstrate their technology. In a gallery space, conceptual artists and designers will showcase unique artwork created with 3D printers. The 3D Printshow will feature music played on 3D printed instruments. The 3D band includes Olaf Deigel's ODD guitars and basses, a Stradivarius violin replica and a drum ensemble played with 3D printed drum sticks. For scientists, 3D printing is a tool to supplement traditional means of discovery and exploration. Whether scanning through rock to reveal fossils within, or using 3D imaging software to reconstruct the faces of ancient mummies, the variety of applications the technology enables and aids is impressive. The 3D Printshow will focus on the archaeological, paleontological and anthropological uses of 3D printing. In a dedicated area, called “Cradle to Grave,” examples from the skulls of early humans to artifacts dating from the Marajoara culture will be displayed. Beyond the London exhibiton, if 3D printing fascinates you, then why not try it yourself? Sculpteo (www.sculpteo.com) offers a 3D printing service that ships worldwide. At the website there's a gallery of 3D designs or a personal design can be uploaded. Materials for printing include plastics, resin, alumide, silver and ceramics. It's not cheap, but it does offer the chance to hold your imagination in your hand.
