Kanye West may like robots but he doesn’t feel the same way about 3D printing. In a recent episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians, Kanye West exposed his fears of 3D printing during a tour of a digital art and design afterschool program, Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, in Armenia with wife, Kim Kardashian West.
While visiting a 3D printing lab, Kanye admitted, "This is what I'm afraid of here, 3D printing, because the internet destroyed the music industry and now this is what we're afraid of right now with the textile industry."
As a musical artist and self-proclaimed designer, West’s fears are not entirely unwarranted. With the rapid technological advancements of 3D printing, machines will become increasingly mainstream and intricate designs could be reproduced with the press of a button. But we aren’t anywhere near that threat right now.
West’s tour guide and administrator at the school conceded that his concern was somewhat justified but pointed out that there are several benefits to 3D printing that outweigh West’s out-of-touch reservations and noted the complexities involved in replicating designer clothing or shoes. 3D printing can be used to manufacture simple, single-material products that aren’t readily available to consumers but more intricately designed products like Kanye is referring to would be extremely difficult and expensive to replicate.
It is quite possible that future designs could be stolen and illegally reproduced using 3D printing but we shouldn’t let that stop us from developing this technology into something that could greatly benefit society in so many other ways. Patent laws will evolve to address the challenges Kanye West anticipates regarding the technology. Also, the technology could have major positive effects on the fashion industry, contrary to Kanye West’s beliefs. It could help small designers to lower manufacturing costs and easily personalize orders. 3D printing is improving our lives through quickly generated products and modeling and prototypes in medicine, international development, business and manufacturing. And we certainly shouldn’t let it stop us from using it for educational and creative design purposes at Tumo.
Do you agree with Kanye that 3D printing could destroy the fashion industry or do you think the benefits outweigh the potential risks?
Take a look at how students at Tumo are using 3D printing for stop-motion animation:
See the video of Kanye’s visit to Tumo here: http://morningafter.gawker.com/kanye-west-wants-keeping-up-with-the-kardashians-to-loo-1732056555
Written by: Liz White
Photo source: www.3ders.org
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