The magic of 3D printing- Yomara Leon

a cylinder 1 1/8″ diameter and 1 1/8″ high, cut in half the long way

My humble beginnings started with this red block. I picked the half cylinder because I wanted to challenge myself designing it through Sketchup, since this was my first time ever using this design program. However after applying the skills taught in class it was much easier to accomplish my model. The only real problem that I encouraged was figuring out the correct measurement of my block since I had to figure out the radius. To determine this I measured the length and divided it in two to find the radius to be 9/16” for this block. The measurement can be displayed at the bottom right hand corner of Sketchup.

mini obstacle model

This orange obstacle is the second model I was able to create. It’s inspired by the obstacles that I used to enjoy in the park when I was a child. Although the construction of the model is simple it took me some time to adjust the shapes together. It was difficult turning the shapes to fit with the other blocks and to connect with each other.

Meal Cubes are laser-sintered from granulated mealworms

3D design and printing is impacting every industry with this ability to create 2D designs and fabricated it to become a 3D model. Although 3D design and printing is still at an early stage many industries are already using the software to create different prototypes and innovations. One subject that is very interesting is the culinary industry, this industry is also experimenting with 3D printing to be able to create food that is custom made specifically for an individual personal dietary needs. Food will be prepared focusing on the needs of people, this will provided people with ease of consuming food that contain the exact nutrients that their body needs. Rather than consuming different servings of food that may not contain the right amount of nutrients. This can benefit athletes, pregnant woman, seniors and children.

The texture, shape and design of food will change into pieces of art work that can eatable. The flavor of food will also be modified by using alternative ingredients that will be introduced to consumers as a substitute for other ingredients and as ways to experiment with rare condiments like insect’s algae, or glass. Preparing food using this ingratiates brings up the question if people will be willing to try it. NASA for example has recently awarded a $125,000 grant to Anjan Contractor to further explore and develop the application of 3D printing food for astronauts. These will include experiencing creating food that wouldn’t spoil and that contains high nutrients. Anjan hopes this project helps create alternatives for food being that globally we are over populated and our natural sources are limited. These also bring in the idea of simplifying the manufacture of food. It would be interesting to investigate what type of safety hazards and regulations manufacturing 3D printing food will bring.

Another interesting 3D printing experiment is being done by Andreas Forgacs, he is developing the idea of 3D bioprint technology to produce meat.  Basically an animal cell will be processed to become meat that will be printed for humans to consume. This experiment brings many questions into mind for example if processed meat today is associated to be unhealthy. What are the chances that consumers will find 3D printed artificial meat to be any good, taking to count that we are becoming so health conscience? Although these ideas are only being experimented in labs for now, it’s thrilling to know that these innovations might be very soon a part of our daily consumption.

Sources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6WzyUgbT5A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgE_AaWE1M4

http://3dprintingindustry.com/food/

http://3dprintingindustry.com/2013/05/22/nasa-funds-3d-bio-printer-development-to-combat-universal-hunger/

https://www.solveforx.com/moonshots/solve-for-x-andras-forgacs-on-sustainable-scalable-meat

Personally taking this 3D digital design course has been mind blowing. I’m actually glad the class I was registered for previously was canceled, because it gave the opportunity to take this class and discover a different side of printing. For me this class is a preview of what the future holds for all of us and the revolution that 3D printing will bring globally. I’m honored to be one of the few in our campus to observe this innovation that will change businesses and the way we manufacture things on an everyday bases. From the start I have never hear of 3D printing before, this course has made me more aware of future innovations and grab an interest in areas of technology that I wouldn’t normally pay attention or care about. This course has encouraged me to investigate and be more open minded. The book “Makers: The New Industrial Revolution” by Chris Anderson has taught me that ideas can become a reality, even if you don’t consider yourself much of a genius. He also gives important insight to future makers and innovators.

Using Sketchup was a challenge because it’s a software I have never used before in previous art classes, it also requires you to be very creative. Creating some of the shapes was complex, but through trial and error and through video tutorials I was able to create decent shapes. Although it was challenging I plan to continue working on different models to increase my knowledge, and feel more comfortable using Sketchup.

Being that this course involves heavy group work. As a group member I believe we all been able to contribute with brainstorming ideas and coming up with better innovations for our coffee project. I believe my ability to keep us connected by communicating and working as a team, has helped us to get through this project. It can be overwhelming at times, since we all have different responsibilities and priorities. However like all group projects it’s not easy but we try our best.