3D printing - manufacturing a 3-dimensional figure from a
digital file – an idea that seemed out of this world just a few years ago, is
becoming more and more affordable through rapid innovation and low-cost
machines. The expiration of original
patents for 3D printing has lowered the cost and increased access for
low-income areas seeking to use this technology. RepRap, a self-replicating, open source, 3D
printer which costs under $500, has the potential to transform the way we think
about international development.
3D printing can be used to inexpensively produce instruments
used to monitor weather related disasters or conduct research, farming tools, household
items, clothing, or emergency housing. Leveraging
the use of open source appropriate technology, which enables users to access,
review, and share best practices over the Internet, would allow 3D printing
technology to continually improve economic standards in developing communities.
Oxfam, an international
organization focused on reducing global poverty, is already demonstrating the capabilities
of 3D printing in sanitation efforts in Lebanon through the replication of
water tap and faucet parts as well as missing parts of sanitation kits imported
to the region. 3D printing allows
developing communities to cut costs and reproduce tools much cheaper than
importing or using limited resources to develop prototypes/spare parts. Currently most 3D printers in developing
countries are owned by NGOs or
universities, but imagine if one were available in every village? The possibilities would be endless.
Of course, communities must invest this type of
technology. 3D printers are not cheap
but RepRap’s relatively inexpensive model and the investment of training individuals
with the technological skills necessary to use a 3D printer are transferable
skills that are ever-more relevant in today’s world of rapidly increasing
technology that could be applied to other tech-related jobs. Similar to the explosion we have seen in the
use of mobile phones in developing countries, 3D printing will be the next big
technology to make a major impact on local economies and greatly increase the
quality of life for low-income communities.
How do you think 3D printing
will impact developing countries?
Additional links:
Check out this interactive 3D4D
Google map to see where 3D printing is being used for development around
the world.
Other affordable 3D
printers in the marketplace
Sources:
Photo credit: Flickr user Creative Tools
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