“The original TV series Star Trek was revived in the 1980s with Star Trek: The Next Generation. The new series featured technology in the 24th century, including a replicator (seen in this picture). This make-believe device had the ability to create inanimate matter into a desired molecular structure such as tools, assembly parts, weapons, and food.

Fast forward today and what was once considered science fiction 30-50 years ago is now current technology in the 21st century. The concept for 3D printing actually started in the 1980s by inventor Chuck Hull, the pioneer of stereolithography (that’s Chuck smiling at you now).

The process to create an object from a 3D printer starts with a computer 3D virtual model. The model data is transferred to a machine that looks similar to a sewing machine and a drill press. The printer creates the virtual model into a three-dimensional solid object. Instead of using ink cartridges the 3D printer uses a combination of powdered metal, sand, plastic, and liquid polymers to “glue” the materials together in layers. The printer lays down successive layers of material to build the virtual model from a series of cross sections. Depending on the size, shape, and complexity of the computer virtual model, a 3D printer can produce an exact replica in several hours to several days. Today 3D printing creates prototypes of aircraft wings, musical instruments, auto parts, and medical prosthesis.

To create a 3D printed object, the printer relies on a detailed virtual blueprint from a computer aided design (CAD) or animation modeling software. A programming language called Standard Tessellation Language or STL uses this file system to describe the geometry surface of a three dimensional object. Tessellation is the tiling of a geometry plane using one or more geometric shapes, called tiles with no overlaps or gaps. The 3D printer injects material using spatial measurements in micrometers. A typical layer measurement for a 3D printer is around 100 micrometers, though newer high-end models can print layers as thin as 16 micrometers. The particles or 3D dots are around 50 to 100 micrometers in diameter.

Food for Thought

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) gave a $125,000 six-month grant to Systems & Materials Research Corporation (SMRC) to create Star Trek replicator style food using 3-D printing technology. The 3D printer uses cartridges containing carbohydrates, protein powders, and oils that combine in layers to produce food. The idea behind this research grant is to find a way to cut down on global food waste and make it easier to transport nutrients in bulk to astronauts in space. The engineers of SMRC envision a future when consumers will own a 3D printer to “download” customized nutritious foods over the Internet!

The future of 3D printing and 3D scanning technology has grown rapidly in the last few years. Experts predict that the technology will allow 3D printing to create layers of living cells (organ printing, bio-printing, body part printing), chemical compounds, and habitats in space. This technology will also be available using a smartphone as a 3D scanner and a smartphone app to create a 3D file. However, this new technology with the unlimited potential for creating objects will also create new government regulations, intellectual property rights, and social moral issues. The 3D printer does not discriminate. It will turn “any” design into any object.” From: KHouse News

(Editor’s Note: This 3D field is an exciting one for Mathematics students to take an interest in – click here  for some applications of 3D printing in education)