3D printing is a new type of technology that is revolutionizing the way we think about our world. The company leading the way is Makerbot, which manufactures the 3D printers and scanners. The company has three stores, one of them being in Greenwich, CT. If you are anywhere nearby that is one retail shop not to be missed.
I recently stopped in to see this technology in person. For those of you that unfamiliar with the concept, a 3D printer nozzle moves to one location and puts a tiny dot of melted plastic, then another spot and puts a dot. The printer head keeps moving until it forms an object. Each layer is the thickness of two sheets of paper. The technology is amazing because it has the capability to create objects that cannot be machined, like a hollow sphere. In the store were all kinds of plastic toys that were recently made. There was a gyroscopic holiday ornament, consisting of several spheres with holes in them rotating on separate axis. All the decorations in the store were made on 3D printers. There is even a photo booth in the back where they can scan your image and make a miniature statue of you in a short time.
The Makerbot is one of the user-friendliest 3D printers around. What is really cool is the 3D scanner that is designed for non-technical people to use. Let’s say you have a tiny figurine, like GI Joe or something. You place it on the scanner, and a laser measures each side of it, then the printer can copy it shortly after. So, you can duplicate many objects without knowing about programming. You can also take that original GI Joe and modify it by adding a top hat or something.
3D printing has a huge potential for manufacturing, prototyping, and research and development. Already, it is revolutionizing prosthetic limbs and other medical devices. There was a 17 year old who learned that a prosthetic arm costs $80,000, so he set out to make a more affordable model that costs just $400.
If are interested in buying a 3D printer, visit the Makerbot store at 72 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830 http://www.makerbot.com/retail-store/
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