3D printers might have great potential. Right now there are many videos and images on the Internet, showing simple creations of those devices, like tools, as well as impressive pieces of art.
The idea of 3D printing is simple. The logic is the same as for ordinary printers we use for printing text on a paper. However, simple printers only print in 2 dimensions using ink or toner. Unlike those printers, 3D printers print in 3 dimensions and instead of ink or toner use layers of plastic.
3D printer operates along with different software, which uses STL file format, like Cura, CraftWare, TinkerCad. That software uses exported STL codes and coordinates to slice the model into layers. 3D printers are able to print anything as long as the model or idea is correctly formulated.
3D printing can be more money-saving, for example, in making models. As long as the material of the made tool or object is irrelevant for its functionality, 3D printing is much more quick and convenient way of creating instruments or models than, for example, producing them.
Fortunately, the thickness of layers for the modern printers, which is about 100 micrometers, allows for some greatly precise printing. Some 3D printers even can keep thickness of printed layers under 20 micrometers. For comparison, typical bacterial species are 0.5-5 micrometers in length.
3D printing may give us significant opportunities, such as 3D creation of artificial organs. Today it is very difficult to imagine that in the future a simple device might be able to print complex structures. Can you imagine 3D printers creating organs with functioning cells with DNA within them?
Or printing functional CPUs or displays? Now, with simple plastic it is impossible, but who knows, maybe in the future humanity will discover effortless ways to perform procedures which now seem extremely sophisticated.
