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Space

3D printers are being tested in space to see how well they can print. This is important because future missions that are longer journeys may rely on 3D printers to print items on demand.

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/3Dratchet_wrench

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What is 3D printing?

3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that creates a physical object from a digital design. There are different 3D printing technologies and materials you can print with, but all are based on the same principle: a digital model is turned into a solid three-dimensional physical object by adding material layer by layer.

https://www.3dhubs.com/what-is-3d-printing

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Types of 3d Printers
FDM- Fused Deposition Modeling
SLA- Stereolithography
DLP- Digital Light Processing
SLS- Selective Laser Sintering
SLM- Selective Laser Melting
EBM- Electron Beam Melting
LOM- Laminated Object Manufacturing
BJ- Binder Jetting
MJ- Material Jetting / Wax Casting

https://all3dp.com/types-of-3d-printer-technology-explained/

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Limitations
Manufacturing
Mass production

Despite 3D printing's potential, it has its limitations. Traditional manufacturing is faster and cheaper when it comes to large quantities of products. 3D printed parts also need finishing when a smooth surface is needed because after printing the surface has a rough structure. There is also a risk of copyright infringement and also a question about liability when something breaks.

http://www.manufacturingglobal.com/technology/408/INDUSTRY-ANALYSIS%3A-The-pros-and-cons-of-3d-printing

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Disadvantages
Health risks
energy hog
drugs

3D printing can have some disadvantages. 3D printers tend to be energy hogs when they are used in large amounts. In industry mass production 3D printing can take up more energy than traditional manufacturing. There is also health risks that can be involved with 3D printing. When printing with materials like ABS, the room must be well ventilated or the printer must be enclosed due to the toxic fumes from the melting plastic. 3D printed materials are also usually not BPA safe so you cannot he or drink out of something that is 3D printed. There is also a risk of 3D printing being used to create drugs.

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-dark-side-of-3d-printing-10-things-to-watch/

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Customizstion
Personilization
Cost Efficiency
Enhanced Productivity

3D printing can be used for so many different things in the medical field. 3D printing provides a way to produce custom items fast and at a low cost. It can also be used to personalize drug dosing. 3D printers offer the ability to create limitless dosage forms.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4189697/

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Advantages
Disadvantages
Ban

Some people think that the sale of 3D printers to households should be banned due to the risks that it could produce. Others believe that 3D printing provides a center for innovation and creativity.

http://www.ar.idebate.org/debatabase/debates/science/house-would-ban-sale-3d-printers-househol
ds

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Prosthetics

3D printing is making a major impact in the production of prosthetics. 3D printing allows the customization of prosthetics that are more comfortable than standard prosthetics and they are also easily replaceable if they break. They are also extremely cheap compared to standard prosthetics which can cost as much $42,000.

http://dealingwithdifferent.com/3d-printing-prosthetics/#.WNGiNDvyuyw

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Dentistry
Implants
Surgical Guides

3D printing is now being used in the dentistry field to create custom implants that have the perfect fit. 3D printing allows implants to be created that are extremely accurate, have minimal discomfort, and look good. Surgical guides can also be printed to help a dentist practice so when they get to the actual surgery they know exactly what they need to do.

http://www.stratasys.com/resources/case-studies/dental/oratio-bv

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Health Benefits
Vascular Phantoms

3D printing is being used in the medical field in many different ways. 3D printing can be used to create models of arteries also known as "Vascular Phantoms" which can be used to practice surgery or test how an implant will fit. These models can be customized for each patient.

https://healthmanagement.org/c/healthmanagement/issuearticle/advantages-of-3d-printing-in-healthcare

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Speed
Cost
Risk
Customization

3D printing makes it easy to create prototypes within a few hours of time compared to days to get a prototype machined or molded which can take a week or more. It costs very little to print low volumes of parts compared to manufacturing the same part. Larger volumes tend to lean towards manufacturing for better prices. 3D printing reduces risk because a prototype can be tested before investing in expensive manufacturing equipment.

https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/advantages-3d-printing

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Inkjet Printer
Powder
Binder Technology

An inkjet 3d printer work by placing a layer of powder down on a platform and then a liquid binding agent is added that solidify the powder. Ink can be added to the binding agent to add any color to the print. This is still a developing technology but in the future the powder used for this printer could be used a support material for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printers and could provide a way to create full color prints.

https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/20882-making-a-full-color-inkjet-3d-printer

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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Powder

An SLS printer works by concentrating a laser on a powdery material in order to harden and solidify the material. This can be used to print materials in metal, ceramic, plastic, and even glass. An important advantage the SLS printers have over other 3D printer types is that because the objects are constantly surrounded by powder the object does not need supports like many other printers. SLS printers can also produce very durable plastic parts that do not turn brittle over time.

This source is reliable because 3D systems is the first ever 3D printing company and was founded by the man who invented 3D printing.
https://www.3dsystems.com/resources/information-guides/selective-laser-sintering/sls

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Bio Printer
Biofabrication

Evisiontec is considered to be the forefront of 3D printers that have the capability to print biological materials. Their printers have printed hyper elastic bone, ovary implants, placenta models, and are currently being used to aid in bone regeneration. These printers can print tissue, organs, and are also being used to create custom hearing aids that are more comfortable for people. Bio printers could have a even greater impact on the medical field in the near future.

https://envisiontec.com/3d-printers/3d-bioplotter/?gclid=CjwKEAjwzKPGBRCS55Oe46q9hCkSJAAMvVuMg4wygCN667p5jdnxirXwBUMrkjwCtiAe_7-Ntj8rvRoCnyPw_wcB

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FDM Printers
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Prusa is a low end 3D printer company. They have designed reliable 3D printers that most people can afford. These printers are meant for 3D printer hobbyists and enthusiasts. The advantages of this style of printer is that it is affordable, you can print many different types of materials, and it provides a cheap way to create visual models and parts

prusa3d.com

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What are the different type of 3D printers today? What are the advantages of these printers now and in the future? Are there any disadvantages?