3D print those diapers!

I woke up this Saturday morning missing something, not just the habitual hangover but also my paramount fountain of energy. One of its most basic production components was missing: the coffee filter. The use of a sock as a filter and the deep frying of coffee beans for eating purposes sounded quite intricate at 6:00am but a most unpractical idea got me thinking of a simpler solution: 3D printing (the filters, not the coffee itself).

When we talk about 3D printing, we are usually thinking about medical applications, innovative solutions to complex problems and some other noble curiosities. What about those little things that bother the common person on a daily basis? I am talking about household supplies. Unappreciated, neglected and even ignored, until you need them the most.

Probably the most iconic situation would be the depravation of hygienic paper; a videographic example is seen in the following link:

To produce, in your household, the disposable items that you use on a daily basis? People are already doing it! Here is a video of a 3D printed disposable fork under bend test, and it seems much more durable than your conventional one-time use fork.

Just imagine, instead of wasting your time making a huge shopping list, having tons of boxes delivered at your door every week, you can just print whatever you need whenever you need it!

Think about it…

“Honey there are no more coffee filters!” -- Print it!

“We’re all out of the baby’s diapers!”  -- PRINT IT!

It would even be inventory friendly. Forget the huge stock of different items and just use the basic necessities for production.

The cynics, of course, will start discussing quality standards, the dangers of homemade plastic cups and the lack of an iconic mascot on the front of their recently made plastic bag. They may even argue about the benefits of a quick walk to the supermarket on a Saturday morning, but frankly, it’s probably cold, you don´t want to change out of your jammies and meet that annoying neighbor that always complains about your dog ruining his plants.

From a practical point of view there are some technological barriers. So far, there is only a certain range of materials that can be used for 3D printing: metals, plastics, ceramics and waxes. No cellulose printing is available, thus impairing conventional paper production.

The constant innovations in 3D printing show a wide spectrum of future application.  This service might form an entirely new market in the future and make our daily chores that much easier! Can you see yourself in a couple of years making your own, verbena scented, extra fluffy, blueberry lollypop flavored napkin?


Written by: Luiz Junqueira