A guest article by Abbey Peschel,
Boston-area printing and marketing specialist
The massive appeal of 3D printing
technology is bound to increase as new ways of using these printers are
introduced. Although many people have had some exposure to the capabilities of
3D printers in terms of producing tangible and viable goods from a broad range
of materials, modern artists are now using this technology to take art to
entirely new levels. This has resulted in the production of visually intriguing
works that might not be possible without the use of technology.
One of the impressive 3D printing
works of art is Digital
Grotesque, a massive and highly detailed room designed by Oscar
winner H.R. Giger. Inspired by the process of cell division, the room is based
on a complex algorithm that naturally divides simple cubes. The results have
been likened to an alien cathedral fused with the skeletal system of an
extra-terrestrial.
3D Printing Innovations Pave The
Way For Personalized Marketing
An increasing number of major
brands are turning to 3D
printing as a way to personalize their products and their
promotional efforts. Although this technology has become far more accessible
and affordable, there is also some concern over the potential for reputation
piracy. Thus, widespread use of 3D printing as a marketing tool
is not anticipated to occur for several more years.
Some companies are making it
possible for consumers to use this technology to custom design their own
products. The production and delivery process is remarkably short and enables
consumers to leave stores with their custom purchases in hand. Given that CAD
files, which essentially serve as the digital blue-prints for 3D projects can
be easily shared online, the major hurdle in using and encouraging the use of
this technology lies in finding ways to protect intellectual property.
The access to 3D printers remains
extremely limited in most sectors, however, declining costs without the limits
of copyright or other legal complications
are anticipated to change this over time. Companies that are ambitious enough
to take this leap will be able to produce need-specific designs for consumers,
effectively branding products that are in many ways, the brainchilds of clients
themselves. Thus, the most dramatic change in commerce produced by this
equipment could be the commercial ability to brand goods that have been
custom-designed by clients, or to essentially profit from the ownership of
advanced technical tools.