I have decided to start a blog to discuss the new and exciting advances of 3D printing which many think is the beginning of what will eventually become the "replicator". For those of you who are not familiar with that term, please watch a season or two of Star Trek. Or, continue reading this post...
The replicator basically made almost anything you asked it to make on a molecular level. At first, it was for making food and drinks, but then many other things were replicated as the series continued. Everything from pork-chops to power converters were made by just asking the computer to "replicate" whatever they desired. "Earl Grey, hot," was one of the most common requests from a certain well know captain on the series.
So how does this a blog make? For the last 12 years I have been involved in some form or another of 3D printing. Additionally, I have been working on creating 3D models for printing on demand on various sites which I will feature in future posts. I predict that in the next 5-10 years a 3D printer will be as common in most homes as a laser printer. You will be able to print a replacement plastic part for your small appliance by downloading a 3D model from the manufacturer or make a replacement knob for a piece of furniture. Perhaps children will print out their own toys or a scaled model of themselves and their friends to play with. The possibilities are beyond our current vision but very close on the horizon.
This blog is about my use of 3D technology as well as developments in the technology of 3D printing and its progression into the mainstream and into the average household. I hope we both enjoy the journey and also appreciate looking back to where we started this revolution from.
