Remember the “replicator” from Star Trek: The Next Generation? That was the device that could create just about any object, provided the molecular structure was known.
3-D printing is definitely not there yet, but the technology to print out 3-dimensional models from plans isn’t science fiction, either. It’s an emerging technology that allows for “rapid prototyping” of objects based on digital plans. The printer builds up the object in layers (often a polymer, or ceramic as far as I can tell, though there are other substances used). Right now they’re generally used for industrial prototype, but one day, maybe we’ll have printers in our homes to create toys, cookware, shower curtains, you name it!
The RepRap 3-D printer is made from plastic, so it can even print out its own parts!
If you had a 3-D printer in your house, what would you print out tonight? I’m desperately short of furniture at home, so I think that’s what I’d go for. A nice ceramic side table for my living room chair.
You should definitely check out http://www.fabjectory.com. They use 3-D printers to build statues of people’s Second Life avatars, Nintendo Mii profiles and sketch-up projects. It’s pretty much the most futurist small business I’ve ever heard of.
Let me see…what would I print if I had a 3-D printer…Why I would print a replica of myself, maybe even two. I am a Stay-at-Home Mom, two school age children and a sixteen month old. I do a lot of work around the house, tasks that often go unnoticed. My Husband always says: “What did you do all day?” Having two of more of myself would be really great…I would no longer have to choose what to do…Dinner? Sleep? or Laundry? Clean? I would simply gather up my other selves and say: “You do the laundry, light medium and dark, check my husbands pants for PENS …You make Chicken Kiev, mashed potatoes and asparagus and I will take a nap with my darling baby girl…wake me up in time to pick up the girls from school…Love Yah” Nothing like dreaming the day away….
the technique of producing 3D physical models is called 3D lithography. if you have the money these specialized printers are available.