If the Shoe Fits, Print it?

A part of me was expecting this to happen and when it did I wasn’t surprised at all. I am now a recipient of a 3D-printed body part.

This technology consists of devices that take digital designs for three dimensional objects and “print” them using materials like metal, porcelain, cement, plastic. There’s 4D printing as well - machines that alter the design based on a time factor.

3D printing technology is around us more than we think. Have you recently used a clip, hook or drawer organizer? Chances are high that these were created by 3D printers.

My dentist found a cracked molar which - not too long back - would have required multiple visits and a crown. Now, she removed the filling, scanned the tooth and while I waited in the chair, she 3D-printed the onlay (think: partial crown) in her office and then cemented it to the tooth. The cost was a fraction of a crown and more of the original tooth was preserved than would have been with a crown. This explains the “same-day crown” sign on her door.

What’s not to like?!

While the dental experience seems revolutionary, I was surprised to learn that 3D printing dates back to 1980 when Chuck Hull, CTO of 3D Systems, invented it for stereolithography. That predates the internet and personal computers which seems impossible to comprehend. And here's the sweet news. 3D printers can print desserts! Did you know that the Iron Man suits were 3D-printed and NASA uses 3D printing to make tools in the International Space Station? What an ingenious solution for self-reliance 250 miles into the ether.

Consider that 90% of jewelry design is 3D-printed. How about this for a revolution in how we shop - it's possible that in the future we will pay for the design of things we want to buy and then print them at home. No delivery, no delay. No Amazon Prime. Imagine that!

In 2015, FDA approved a 3D-printed drug called Spritam (levetiracetam) for treating epilepsy. We can find 3D-printed orthopedic prosthetics, implants and braces custom fitted to our specific anatomy. 3D-printed skin and cartilage tissue is a reality now. The holy grail is bioprinting at scale, a version that produces human tissue for organs. It could eliminate transplant queues someday. Even though we are far from this utopian state as organs are massively complicated, custom designing with one’s own cells may be a realization in our grandchildren's lifetime.

The market for this technology is projected to more than double between 2025 and 2030, from 16B to 35B. It's still a tiny fraction of overall manufacturing economic value, estimated globally in excess of 16T. Once it has traction, it will become ubiquitous and then it will grow exponentially.

3D printing is not without pitfalls. The printing process emits toxic fumes or uses toxic chemicals which can cause respiratory challenges and air pollution. The devices generate a tremendous amount of heat (around 400F) which poses a massive fire risk if the equipment is not properly maintained. The current printers are slow but that is about to change with fast offerings just around the corner.

Clearly, there is a lot of excitement around this technology and its numerous benefits. As with every tech upheaval, there will be the inevitable loss of employment without upskilling and companies will shutter without significant pivots. At the same time, this can enable mom-and-pop shops to get into manufacturing.

The market is in a downward spiral. Gas is at least a dollar more than a month ago. Prices will rise again. The war doesn’t seem to have a foreseeable point of conclusion. There’s little good news right now and here I am touting the joys of 3D printing. Let’s just say, this ostrich with her head in the sand is digging deep for good news. If 3D printing keeps us hopeful, so be it.

Here’s the mad scientist version of me printing shoes in our garage in a few years because who does not love shoes?

https://imaginarium.io/7-facts-no-one-told-you-about-3d-printing/