3D printing is becoming more accessible.
It's becoming more affordable, with printers
priced at under a thousand dollars... a dramatic
discount from a half million dollar price
tag a few years back... and there's also a
great a variety of platforms and programs
that teach the simple steps to utilize the
technology.
Kim Hyesung sheds light on how rapidly growing
the industry and its technologies are.
3D printing has been a buzzword for quite
some time, but the technology hasn't been
readily available for many people as of recent
mainly due to its high costs.
But it seems like that is about to change,
by merging the technology with the concept
of sharing economy.
This 3D printing platform links designers
to local 3D printer owners.
Users who need a 3D printed object can simply
choose a device, upload a design, choose the
material type, size, and color,... then type
in a delivery address and click the submit
button.
Within two days, a one-of-a-kind prototype
is delivered to the user's front door.
"Sharing economy is everywhere.
You can share your cars, share your houses.
And now you can share your 3D printer.
So our service connect 3D printer owners to
the potential users like designers who don't
understand anything about technology but they
can make an order and have the object printed
out."
The service is convenient and fast, and is
expected to create a new market supply and
demand, boosting growth in the 3D printing
industry.
But to use such service or take advantage
of 3D technology, creativity and know-how
come first, above all else.
That's why this workshop in downtown Seoul,
one of two hundred similar establishments
in Korea, offers 3D printing education programs.
These middle school students follow instructions
on how to use the 3D interface, then come
up with their own 3D designs.
"I love watching robot movies, and an android
was the first thing that came to mind.
I can't wait to see my 3D printed android
design "
Participants also learn about the whole 3D
printing process,...from conceptualization
to materialization.
"3D printing is already widely used in the
aerospace, medical and auto industries.
With various platforms and education programs
that help us get familiar with 3D printers...it
looks like we'll be seeing more of them in
our everyday lives.
Kim Hyesung, Arirang News."
