Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ll know that 3D printing is becoming more and more popular, with the manufacturing sector preparing for a huge change in business. 3D printers have been used to make toys, food, artificial body parts, guns and even 4D baby scans…and as the 3D printing technology becomes cheaper, individuals can get more creative.
As 3D printing develops, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting, interesting and downright eye opening creations so far. Take a look at what 3D printing has brought us recently…
Chocolate
[Image source: http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-01-28/all-the-food-thats-fit-to-3d-print-from-chocolates-to-pizza]
A 3D systems company has teamed up with American candy giant Hershey’s to explore printing technology in edible foods. Here in the UK you can buy a chocolate 3D printer for just under £3,000 and use syringes to create chocolate illustrations. Chocolatiers could really get creative with this!
Clothing
[Image source: http://www.continuumfashion.com/N12.php]
The N12 bikini is the world’s first 3D printed article of clothing. Made out of nylon, it all snaps together – no sewing required! The bikini claims to be flexible and comfortable – even when wet. Apparently this is the first in the range, and 3D printed shoes are next on the horizon.
Limbs
[Image source: http://techcrunch.com/2014/01/22/designers-delay-ducks-death-with-3d-printed-limb/]
3D printing has opened a whole world of possibilities when it comes to artificial limbs. But did you know it’s not just humans who are getting a helping hand! The phot above shows Dudley the duck, who lost his leg after an aggressive fight. A 3D printing start-up decided to help out and designed a plastic leg for the injured duck.
Guitars
[Image source: http://cubify.com/store/design?reference=L57Y46HL39]
That’s right, people can even make their very own musical instruments with a 3D printer. This impressive design is 3D printed in a very strong form of nylon and has the classic features of a guitar added on such as the pickups and tuning heads.
What’s the most amazing creation you’ve ever seen that’s been 3D printed? Let us know!