3d printing is actually fairly simple and has existed for centuries. The technical definition for 3d printing is the use of multiple layers of a material that are built up on top of each other to create a three dimensional object. Everything in this dimension is three dimensional, except for pixels on a screen or a projection. The three dimensions are length, width, and height, so the two dimensional object you draw on paper does in fact have depth, as a thin layer of graphite rubs off on to the paper. Anything that is painted multiple times is technically "3d printed" as it has a depth created by several layers of ink, paint, or stain.
However, 3d printing is usually done by a machine that prints in plastics. The typical 3d printer extrudes a thin line of plastic, usually High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), on to the print bed in the shape of the object. Each subsequent layer is added on top of the previous layer in the shape of that section. The printing software takes a thin cross section of the object, prints that shape and fills it in, then takes the next thin cross section and prints that, then continues this until the object is fully printed. The resolution of the printer describes how thin each slice can be printed, thus the higher the resolution, the thinner the cross sections.
This technology can be very useful, especially in locations where it is difficult to obtain and transport complete items, resources, and equipment. One such place is the International Space Station. Up there in space, if someone loses a tool it is irretrievable and the station may not have any extras to fill the task. In this case, the crew of the ISS could simply print another tool, assemble it, and use it just as they would the original. Instead of sending up several orbiters filled with tools and equipment, a government would only need to send a single orbiter that is filled with the raw plastic spools. 3d printing is very material friendly and only uses a small fraction of the weight of traditional materials, such as metal, thus reducing the cost and frequency of transportation.
Another application it could be used for is manufacturing. For example, the military could use a 3d printer to print a replacement part for firearms or other equipment if something were to break or be lost. A soldier is repairing a damaged robot or drone and finds that something is broken or missing. The soldier could order the piece and have the equipment out of commission for several weeks or months until the part arrives, or he or she could simply print a new one and install it within the hour.
Let's discuss the future for a second. As of now (November 1st, 2016) amputees can receive a fully working prosthetic arm, leg, or hand that functions very closely to how an organic one would. In the future, researchers could print entire organisms and robots. If an unsupervised artificial intelligence is given access to a 3d printer, some form of limbs or grippers, and motors, mechanical joints, or electronics, it could theoretically print and assemble a body of some form and transfer its self to the body to escape or alter its own body. If we start living among artificially intelligent robots, such as in the movie "A.I." they could be able to print modifications for themselves and upgrade their bodies. If not regulated, they could easily grow into specialized forms or even tactical monstrosities able to do anything.
Tune in on Friday for a continuation of robotics, A.I.'s, and the future. Make sure to follow to stay up to date on your science and tech news.
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