Summary: Topic covered on today's episode of Mind Set Daily "3D Printing" 3D printing technology is not new. For the past 20 years, designers and manufacturers have been using it to produce prototypes before undergoing the lengthy and expensive process of mass market production. This is changing. Over time, 3D printers have dramatically dropped in price, making it an accessible technology for small businesses and individual consumers as well. The world's first gun made up almost entirely of 3D-printed components has also been created. The firearm, called the "Liberator," is a small pistol-like weapon that can shoot various types of handgun bullets through several interchangeable plastic barrels. Now that the gun has been tested and proven to be functional, they will publish the digital blueprints for it on their website allowing anyone to make it. Another recent creation from 3-D Printing is a bionic ear. A team of scientists have managed to create a truly bionic ear. It's not just a replacement--it has sensors woven throughout the tissue that actually enhance its hearing abilities. In recent months, it's been proven possible to run living cells through a 3-D printer and keep them viable, which has some pretty amazing possibilities for bionics. Researchers also stated that they are just three years away from printing custom-made body parts, including muscle and nerve cells and cartilage. And in just over a decade, they believe will be possible to print human organs. As we enter a period of manufacturing revolution, it is clear that the traditional product development process will be massively disrupted. As “manufacturing” in its traditional sense is devolved to consumers and physical products become “virtualized,” the shift in the risk landscape is likely to be equally profound. Technical innovation rarely comes without risk. With 3D printing at the heart of a quickly-advancing manufacturing revolution, we will see the creation of products that were unimaginable as little as five years ago. Just think about it... Find out more by listening to this episode! Link: 3D Printing Link: 3D Printed Gun Link: 3D Printed Bionic Ear Support Mind Set Central Suscribe or donate
