3-D Printing Is Spurring a Manufacturing Revolution

[LongTomH]

Source: NY Times

A 3-D printer, which has nothing to do with paper printers, creates an object by stacking one layer of material — typically plastic or metal — on top of another, much the same way a pastry chef makes baklava with sheets of phyllo dough.

The technology has been radically transformed from its origins as a tool used by manufacturers and designers to build prototypes.

These days it is giving rise to a string of never-before-possible businesses that are selling iPhone cases, lamps, doorknobs, jewelry, handbags, perfume bottles, clothing and architectural models. And while some wonder how successfully the technology will make the transition from manufacturing applications to producing consumer goods, its use is exploding.

A California start-up is even working on building houses. Its printer, which would fit on a tractor-trailer, would use patterns delivered by computer, squirt out layers of special concrete and build entire walls that could be connected to form the basis of a house.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/technology/14print.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=me

---

I've been hearing about 3-d printing technology for years; now it seems about to make the leap to mass use.

There is a downside to this; it's potentially disruptive. The article claims that: "3-D printing could revamp the economics of manufacturing and revive American industry as creativity and ingenuity replace labor costs as the main concern around a variety of goods."

It think everyone can see the downside: "Replace labor costs" is shorthand for "eliminating factory jobs." Actually, if everything can be manufactured locally, jobs in shipping and warehousing are threatened.

Edited to add: I'm not coming at this from a 'Neo-Luddite' perspective. I just want the issues of jobs addressed. One thing we will need is a guaranteed minimum income program - something that's been talked up since Tom Paine.

[Dappleganger]

1. Adaption of manufacturing.

Not just lean and mean. Now it means adapting quickly to changes in orders to have a faster turn-around and keep manufacturing jobs HERE in the US.

I like it. :)

[OffWithTheirHeads]

2. So if nobody has a job, who is going to buy the shit?

[Freddie Stubbs]

9. The Luddites of the nineteenth century had similar concerns

[Warpy]

3. So? There will be jobs making and servicing the printers

Still, nothing is going to happen without seed money and there is no seed money out there without higher taxes on the rich, who are so used to accounting tricks to increase their paper wealth that they are no longer interested in gambling on new technology.

[bergie321]

11. Until I make a printer

That can make more printers.

[Posteritatis]

19. They're starting to dance around the edge of that

A few of my friends have played around with Makerbots a bit. They can't build a copy of themselves, but they can get most of it down. Of course, the bottleneck are things like the metal parts and circuitry, but there's some printers that can work in metal, so at least that part could be settled in a few more years...

[Vehl]

4. I dont think this tech would replace normal manufacturing process anytime soon

The technology has been radically transformed from its origins as a tool used by manufacturers and designers to build prototypes.

These days it is giving rise to a string of never-before-possible businesses that are selling iPhone cases, lamps, doorknobs, jewelry, handbags, perfume bottles, clothing and architectural models. And while some wonder how successfully the technology will make the transition from manufacturing applications to producing consumer goods, its use is exploding.

We used these to make some prototypes in college...but the quality is not good enough for the production of large items.
I can understand small items like the ones listed here (iphone cases etc etc)being made using this technology, but this cannot produce stuff that require good structural integrity (afaik).

As the article states, this is overwhelmingly used only for modeling/rapid prototyping. I loved it when we were able to build models for wind tunnel aerodynamic testing overnight using this technology....it saved everyone so much time and effort. The only area i see this technology affecting with regards to jobs is the prototype-building sector...which is not much, given that most companies build their prototypes in-house.

[Occulus]

14. It's not just for prototyping anymore- Shapeways is a good example

You should check this out:

www.shapeways.com

Shapeways produces 3D models on demand (not prototypes, but finished products). The coolest part is that you can create your own models and, after some preparation using the Shapeways web app, send it to them. They'll then print it for you and send you the result.

Oh- they can now print in (video link warning) stainless steel, which is apparently very strong, frosted glass, and a gypsum-based full color material, among others.

Shapeways also supports models created in Blender, the open source 3D modeling/animation/compositing suite. Anyone on this board could make their own objects, and from what I've seen in the Shapeways store, they're fairly low-cost (but that's based on size, level of detail, and chosen material, of course).

$13 gets you this ring:



$23.19 for dice, but these are really cool dice:

[Vehl]

17. This is awesome!

Thank you so much for letting me know about this site!


I had no idea they could do stainless steel items as well. Allowing Blender model uploads is a great idea. I love blender..its free and has almost all the functionality of the high end 3d modeling software which cost hundreds of $.


tks again!

[Posteritatis]

21. The cost of 3D software terrifies me

I love Blender, even if its interface doesn't love me. Been doing a pile of graphics work for a game project with a friend in it and have learned a hell of a lot; we're talking about tracking down one friend or another with access to a modern 3D printer to try to turn some of the meshes into models because of stuff like this.

[Occulus]

24. Which Blender version are you using?

If you're still using 2.4x, you would benefit from checking out 2.5x when you're done with your current project. 2.5x has a completely new interface (yes, several of the keyboard shortcuts have been changed), and huge chunks of the code were completely rewritten with an eye toward full Python integration. There are also new features, such as a totally redesigned sculpt tool and a fire/smoke simulator.

One truly excellent Blender training site is at www.blendercookie.com. They've published a training series for the 2.5x versions of Blender that appears to be quite comprehensive. Although I myself haven't bought it yet, the tutorials are done by a guy name Johnathan Williamson (hope I spelled his name right); all of his tutorials are very much worth a look. His style is to mention each keystroke as you need it, and he tries to explain why he's doing what he's doing at that time as often as possible. The guy should teach a course; it's really easy to follow along when he's the one behind the mic.

[Posteritatis]

30. Been using 2.4x for awhile on purpose

I'd actually been putting off going to 2.5x because of its interface changes - I'd finally gotten used to 2.4x's and was hesitant to spend another godknowshowlong effectively learning a new program.

Of course, my current hard drive needs to be fired into the sun shortly, so after I reinstall everything I'll get the new version and be dumped back to the base of the learning curve again...

[Occulus]

23. You're very welcome

3D printing tech has gotten more and more advanced over the past ten years. Very soon there will be printers- if there aren't already- that are capable of printing circuit boards. The printers will only get better and better as time passes. It is not so very far-fetched to imagine being able to print, say, a fairly simple logic board like those used in early desktop computers.

If you think this technology is disruptive, wait until we have true nanotech manufacturing. An atomically precise laptop computer? Yes, please.

[DirkGently]

5. Very cool. An upside is the possibility of an upsurge

in small manufacturing jobs. One might envision people across the country sustaining themselves with small, local manufacturing outfits. Ahd given that manufacturing jobs are down to begin with, I think the upside may be more dispositive.

I've following this too, but hadn't seen this article.


Good find -- thanks for posting.

(Editted for speling).

[LongTomH]

6. The issues involved here are similar to those of molecular nanotechnology

See my earlier post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x518091#518101

In the late 90's and early 00's, I was a frequent attender for the Foresight Institute's Senior Associate get-togethers. The concerns I wanted to raise involved the questions of what would happen to the working people I came from (I was the first in my family to graduate from college.). Of all the discussions on the issues of "How do we help people survive the transition to a nanotechnology world" that I attended, the best answer, so far, came from a young lady in one workgroup who suggested we copy programs from FDR's New Deal. She mentioned that the New Deal provided work, not only for laborers; but, for people like artists and writers.

In another session, when the subject of the 'transition period' came up, I suggested that, perhaps we are already in a 'transition period.' This was 2003 or 2004, and we were already seeing major job losses (I was laid off from my programming job the next year!). Now we're hearing that, due to higher productivity, companies may be able to resume their former production levels with fewer workers.

I really don't think there's one simple answer to our problems. The guaranteed minimum income concept will have to be part of the solution.

[OnlinePoker]

7. This almost sounds like RepRap...near self-replicating machine

"RepRap is a free desktop 3D printer capable of printing plastic objects. Since many parts of RepRap are made from plastic and RepRap can print those parts, RepRap is a self-replicating machine - one that anyone can build given time and materials. It also means that - if you've got a RepRap - you can print lots of useful stuff, and you can print another RepRap for a friend... "

http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

[pnorman]

8. "....since Tom Paine"

I recall comingg upon an essay by Paine on the web, where he more or less endorsed that concept. I neglected to bookmark it, and will have to start Googling. Any help on this?

[LongTomH]

12. Actually, I got that reference from a post at DU.

Try googling on 'Tom Paine' AND minimum income with the domain name: www.democraticunderground.com.

[pnorman]

27. "Agrarian Justice"

http://www.thomaspaine.org/Archives/agjst.html

THANKS!

[Pab Sungenis]

10. Read Cory Doctorow's "Makers."

It's a sci-fi-ish novel that came out last year. These printers are central to the plot of the story, and the central characters use them.

One of the concepts introduced in the book is of designs for these printers that people could distribute for free on the web. So if you created a design, you could let people download it either for free or for a fee. Then all they'd need is a printer and "goop" to feed into it.

If these machines can be brought to a point where they can create consistent, high quality products, this could revolutionize manufacturing the same way MP3's and iTunes revolutionized independent music publishing.

[Odin2005]

13. K&R

[IDemo]

15. I hope they have the printer drivers well debugged

I'd hate to have the bottom half of my new Lamborghini assembled and suddenly see glass lamps taking shape on top.

[LongTomH]

29. LOL

:rofl:

[sofa king]

16. I think it's a good thing.

A 3-D printer can make all kinds of parts. But someone has to design the parts. Someone has to determine what parts are needed. Someone has to put the parts together. And people will line up for a locally made tractor that runs on smoke, or whatever turns out to be a great idea in your town.

[Posteritatis]

20. Hobbyist manufacturing of a sorts could be useful in general too

If the tools to make various stuff are more readily accessible and can read fairly generic formats - which a lot of 3D printers can already do - I'm interested in seeing what'll happen as a result of a pile of people basically having access to a miniature machine shop, tossing ideas back and forth...

[sofa king]

28. I'll tell you what I'm gonna build, first chance I get.

http://www.motorbase.com/vehicle/by-id/763/

One of those, with a 50cc motor and a plug-in battery bank, and maybe a wood gassifier in a trailer behind it to recycle the exhaust. With three wheels and only 50ccs, it should be exempt from my state's DMV regulations... for a little while.

If I pull that off, I can sell the part plans for a modest fee on the Internet, or let other printer owners license the design, and instantly support a worldwide local manufacturing economy that doesn't have to go through the fingers of a dozen greedy corporations before getting to a customer, making more money for me and costing the person on the other end less. I'll have to accept huge losses to theft and update my design constantly to compete on the world stage, but that's a better chance than I have now.

[truthisfreedom]

18. This is absolutely brilliant. I want one.

I design electronics for a living, with my own manufacturing company. I have 7 full-time employees and with one of these, we could create elaborate prototypes for pennies on the dollar compared to other methods. The thing could pay for itself the first time we use it! I love it!

I don't see this tool as being threatening in any way. It's a manufacturing tool that allows designs to proceed at breakneck speed. Unbelievable!

[Occulus]

25. See my post above re: Shapeways

I don't think there's an equivalent company here in the US yet. The printers are fairly expensive, but the cost pays for itself in professional prototyping jobs. You may want to consider investing in one of the Z Corporation 3D printers. They're very pricey, but so incredibly versatile (Shapeways can print in steel and two types of glass, for example) that anyone doing any sort of prototype design should at least consider it.

The best thing about the Z Corp printers is that they use a powder and a binding agent, which means that there isn't any need for use of a razor blade or exacto knife to cut away the object's support structure. They do need to be treated in some fashion, as the "green" model is very fragile, but once that's done the objects are strong and can be safely handled.

Here, go drool at this:

http://www.zcorp.com/en/home.aspx

[quakerboy]

22. As long as its not just transferring the cost

to energy, or something of that nature, this seems like it could be a good thing.

I agree with you. not a minimum income, per se, but a few adaptations that I believe we are in desperate need of anyway.

Reduce the work week. I suspect that for us to accomplish the things that need done for society to continue and thrive, we could get away with 30 or less hours now. But to make that work, minimum pay for a standard work week would have to be raised to a reasonable living wage. A minimum income is an entirely separate proposition.

[Occulus]

26. Related link to a post in DU Health

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=222&topic_id=92779&mesg_id=92779

[Evasporque]

31. Bought 3d shoes from China at WalMart for two dollars....

Its a fucking revolution!