5 Cool Things You Can Make With A 3D Printer

3D printers can be used to make all sorts of objects today including musical instruments and bikes. Come and check out the full list!

3-D printing is one of the most exciting technological advances of recent times. The possibility to design and print an endless array of items has the potential to revolutionise a number of different areas. Most obviously the 3-D printing could change manufacturing forever but it could also change the healthcare with the possibility of constructing human body parts as well as space missions with NASA currently testing the possibilities of using the technology in space.

Essentially the process begins by someone designing or copying a structure using computer software. The finished design is sent to the 3-D printer which can use a host of materials to construct the desired object, from metal alloys or paper to powders or more regular plastic fabrication.

While general domestic use is still probably some years away 3-D printers are available to the public. Of course it helps to have a knowledge of the computer programmes involved and of 3-D design however if you have the time and patience to teach yourself then you can build a whole range of cool things. Here's five to get your imagination moving:

1. Musical Instruments

3-D printing has already been used to produce a number of instruments, from guitars to flutes. The most impressive thing about this approach to manufacturing instruments is the endless creativity it gives to the builder to create new designs that would are not possible using traditional methods. While 3-D printed instruments still do not have the same sound quality of regular instruments the science is still in its infancy and has an intriguing future.

2. Spools For Your Cables And Wires

hypetrak.com

One of the most frustrating things about keeping your headphones in your pocket or USB cable in your bag is that they always manage to tangle into frustrating knots. So why not make your life easier by 3-D printing a simple spool to stop your wires from ever getting in a twist again!

3. Bicycles

iclickfun.com

EADS, the European Aerospace and Defence Group, this year unveiled a bicycle 3-D printed from nylon powder. They claim the frame is just as sturdy as a traditional steel or aluminium basically but the lighter material used in its construction it weighs roughly 65% less than either of these 2 options, this process is called plastic fabrication. We don’t expect to see a 3-D bike win the Tour De France anytime soon but if you just need a simple two-wheeler to get to the shops and back this could be a good option!

4. Clothes

modearte.com

In January of last year the world’s first fashion range of 3-D printed clothes were unveiled at Paris Fashion Week. The Voltage 3-D collection showcased 1 pieces from designer Iris Van Herpen. Though still a novelty the potential domestic benefits of individuals designing and printing their own clothes are great. Can’t afford that new pair of Converse? Who cares, just print them!

5. Cars

foundry-planet.com

As far as I’m concerned if it’s good enough for James Bond it’s good enough for me. For the most recent 007 film ‘Skyfall’ Propshop Modelmakers Ltd. commissioned three 3-D printed copies of the beautiful, and extremely expensive Aston Martin DB5 which could be used as props in the film. This was most useful for a scene when they had to blow up Bond’s Aston Martin, a stunt which they were unwilling to do with the real car, somewhat unsurprisingly.