Fans of 3d printers are hobbyists and technology enthusiasts that appreciate the amazing possibilities offered by this technology. You might be surprised by the types of things produced with a 3d printer. Across all industries, 3d printers are changing what many people thought was possible. Check out the examples below of how they’re being used.

1. Availability of Replacement Parts

Replacement parts is a multi-billion dollar industry because any type of equipment with moving components will at some point require a replacement. The wonderful thing about 3d printing is you can use the printer at any time to produce the exact part needed. Whether it’s during a holiday or at midnight when stores are closed, you can print what you need. Sometimes it’s just a matter of convenience when you don’t want to go to the store to find what you need.

2. Affordable Prosthetics

When the capability of printing prosthetics was first recognized, it was hard to believe. Now the benefits of printing affordable prosthetics is something that is changing the medical industry. There are places in the world that simply don’t have the healthcare facilities needed by amputees. This is one reason why the ability to print prosthetics is so promising and remarkable.

3. Ability to Reproduce Rare Art

There is artwork stored in places like the Smithsonian Institute that are so rare and precious that they are not made visible to the public for fear of loss or damage. In many cases, it’s because the pieces have a historical significance and must be preserved for that purpose. The ability to reproduce this type of rare art using a 3d printer has many implications. It can serve as a way to educate the public on masterpieces that are hidden away. For further information, visit www.argylematerials.com for more insights and resources.

4. Access to Printed Weapons

Most people have become aware of 3d printed guns. It’s often a topic of conversation because of the potential challenges associated with people having access to guns when they otherwise would not be cleared to possess a firearm. Many are concerned about the safety implications of this capability. It’s because 3d printed guns can fire many rounds. At this juncture, their have been efforts to remove the instructions for printing a 3d gun from online, but that was after it was widely distributed.

The use of 3d printer technology has already changed the world in several ways as you can see from the examples provided. This is just the beginning because 3d print technology will continue to advance. While there are some concerns about what can be printed, the sentiment is mostly positive, especially as it relates to the possibilities in medicine.