Printing Out the World
In recent years, the functions of 3D printers have developed rapidly. No longer limited to niche products, they are poised to transform the production of countless consumer goods. Printing Out the World examines this revolutionary phenomenon and what it means for industries around the world.
In Berlin, a company called BigRep is developing 3D printers that can produce everything from house insulation and office furniture to bicycle parts. These items can be made from scratch – from drawing board to delivery truck – in less than 12 weeks.
Filmmakers visited another production center in Chicago, where engineers are supporting the 3D process as it could one day provide a more efficient form of production that avoids the waste of overproduction and reduces the need for expensive warehouse space.
3D manufacturing is rapidly capturing a larger share of the consumer and industrial goods markets. Your product becomes more and more generic. Airbus uses the technology to make aircraft door components, and orthopedic patients could benefit from its ability to create custom prosthetics and other life-enhancing devices.
These technological advancements are evolving, but there are still many hurdles to overcome before they can take over much of the global manufacturing and assembly market. More testing is needed on production materials; ideally, they must be greener, more readily available and sustainably recycled without sacrificing quality. However, engineers believe it is only a matter of time before these goals are achieved.
However, experts warn of possible dangers and downsides of these innovations. In some underground circles, sophisticated criminals use the technology to create illegal firearms and other unregulated products. As with the online shopping boom, transporting this print requires more delivery trucks on the road, which in turn leads to higher levels of air pollution.
Despite these caveats, The Printed World offers a broadly optimistic view of these technologies. It’s a fascinating industry that can do a lot to change how goods are produced and how we consume them.
Director: Christian Siebert
