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3D printing has transformed a wide range of items—from aircraft and cars to rifles, swimwear, jewelry, blood vessels, and even "fetuses." Some people are already imagining and printing a "house" or even a "girlfriend," envisioning a perfect life. Are these dreams just fantasies, or have they already come true? In reality, 3D printing is already being used in many fields. What sets this technology apart from traditional industrial design? How close are we to seeing it in our homes and offices?
A Technology with a Long History
Though many see 3D printing as a cutting-edge innovation, its origins date back over a century. The early forms of 3D printing, such as photographic sculpture and geomorphic forming, appeared more than 100 years ago. Known scientifically as “rapid prototyping,†the technology saw significant advancements in the 1980s. The process involves inputting data and raw materials into a 3D printer, which then builds products layer by layer according to a program. Once printed, the product can be used immediately.
In March 2010, inventor Enrico Dini developed a groundbreaking 3D printer capable of "printing" an entire building. The machine uses sand and a magnesium-based glue as its main materials. As the printer operates, thousands of nozzles spray both sand and glue simultaneously, bonding them into solid structures. By layering the material according to a pre-set design, the printer can create sculptures or buildings. On this printer, the ground acts like paper, while sand and glue function as consumables.
On September 23, 2011, Canada unveiled the world’s first "3D-printed car" called Urbee, a three-wheeled, two-seat hybrid. Powered by both battery and gasoline, the car features a single-cylinder engine producing only 8 horsepower. However, due to its compact size and lightweight design, it can reach a top speed of 112 km/h.
Since the introduction of Urbee, 3D printing has grown increasingly popular and is now seen as a symbol of advanced technology. It has spread rapidly across the globe. U.S. magazine *Time* listed the 3D printing industry among the ten fastest-growing sectors in the United States, while *The Economist* believes that this technology will drive the next industrial revolution when combined with digital production models. *The Economist* once remarked: "The impact of great inventions was unpredictable at the time—like the steam engine in 1750, the printing press in 1450, or the transistor in 1950. The same applies today; we still can't predict how 3D printing will change the world in the long run."
Industry forecasts suggest that the 3D printing market reached $3.1 billion by 2016 and is expected to grow to $5.2 billion by 2020. In the coming years, the market is projected to expand by 300%.
Widely Used in Industry and Civilian Sectors
Although 3D printing is often associated with printing buildings or cars, it is more commonly used in industries such as aerospace, defense, transportation, medicine, education, jewelry, construction, and consumer goods. These sectors rely heavily on product prototyping, part manufacturing, and personalized production. Currently, about 80% of 3D-printed products are prototypes, while only 20% are final products. These may not directly affect everyday consumers, but the future potential is vast.
Imagine designing your own shoes, chair, or furniture. When mass-produced designs don’t meet your needs, 3D printing offers a solution. You can either buy a 3D printer or send your design to a 3D printing service. This is no longer science fiction.
For example, a fashion company named Continuum now sells 3D-printed shoes called Strvct. Consumers can choose colors, styles, and heel heights. After printing, the shoes are finished with skin and textured rubber soles, making them comfortable to wear. While the price of around $3 per pair is not cheap, it's comparable to some high-end shoes.
In the field of personalized crafts, 3D printing is likely to become one of the earliest applications. A specialist noted that in fields like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and medical devices, 3D printing faces challenges due to strict material requirements. However, in areas like custom gifts and small crafts, where materials like resin or plaster are used, it’s much simpler to implement. For instance, small 3D-printed gifts have gained popularity in China, showing strong market demand.
With growing interest and investment, 3D printing is becoming more accessible. From models and souvenirs to handmade items, the technology is gradually entering the civilian market.
Where Can You Buy a 3D Printer?
If you're interested in owning a 3D printer, you might wonder where to find one. On Taobao, searching for "3D printer" returns over 1,300 results, including printers, services, and finished products. Prices range from 3,000 to 40,000 yuan. A model called "Makerbot Flash Casting Technology Creator Dual Nozzle" sold 47 units in one month for 5,999 yuan. Most buyers are small businesses, schools, universities, and designers.
If you’re not ready to buy, there are online 3D printing services and physical stores. In 2012, China opened its first 3D printing photo studio in Xi'an and the first 3D printing experience museum in Beijing. In Zhejiang, Ningbo Hefeng Creative Plaza offers 3D printing services to over 300 companies, with printing fees exceeding 1.8 million yuan.
3D Printing: Expensive and Time-Consuming
While 3D printing is fascinating, it still has limitations. The cost is significantly higher than traditional printers, and materials like ABS or PLA plastic can be expensive. Printing a small cube takes 30 minutes, while a bottle can take up to six hours. Printing a toy car could take over 30 hours. With time and cost concerns, 3D printing is still far from becoming a household item.
Despite these challenges, 3D printing continues to evolve and holds great promise for the future.