[MUSIC] Hi, I'm Aric Rindfleisch, the John N Jones professor of marketing
at the University of Illinois. I'm also the executive director
of the Illinois MakerLab, the world's first and only 3D
printing lab in the business world. Like most people, you've probably
heard about 3D printing and its potential revolutionary impact. However, you probably
don't own a 3D printer and you've never seen an object
actually 3D printed. Thus for you and for most people, 3D printing remains
more of a concept then a reality. This specialization is designed
to make 3D printing a reality. By giving you the knowledge,
skills, and tools to use this revolutionary new technology
to turn your ideas into objects. Our team combines both academic and
industry experts, who will teach you what 3D printing is,
how 3D

printers work and how to design your own
3D printable objects. In addition, learners who sign up for
our core certificates found access to discounts on 3D software,
hardware, and printing services. Our specialization will begin with a
course called the 3D printing revolution. In this brief course, I'll provide an
overview of the 3D printing ecosystem and take a look at its
revolutionary potential. This course will also provide snapshots
into what you will learn in the other courses in our specialization. >> Thank you Aric. Hi, I'm Vishal Sachdev. I'm a faculty member at
the University of Illinois. I'm also director of
the Illinois MakerLab. And I will be teaching the second
course in the specialization 3D printing applications. So in this course we will examine how
3D printing technology

is being used across a variety of industry applications
including aerospace, manufacturing, and even medicine. In addition, we will also discuss
how 3D printing is enabling a growing number of people like you,
to become entrepreneurs or simply make objects that you
wouldn't be able to buy in a store. This course will give you an idea
of how to use this technology to enhance your own life and
meet your career goals. >> Thanks Vishal. Hi, my name's Jeff Smith. I'm an education program manager for Autodesk, which is one of the world's
leading suppliers of 3D design software. I will be teaching the third course in
this specialization, 3D printing software. In this course we will examine
the capabilities of 3D design programs and teach you how to use both basic and
advanced 3D software. The

idea here is to create
designs that you can print. In addition, we will explore how you can
create objects using low cost 3D scanners. Some of which are free and
installed directly on your smartphone. Thus, this course will
provide you the skills that you need to turn your
ideas into real objects. >> Hi, I'm Matt Griffin. I'm the Director of Community for Ultimaker, one of the world's leading
manufacturers of desktop 3D printers. I'll be teaching the fourth course in this
specialization, 3D printing hardware. In this course, we will take a in depth
look at how desktop 3D printers work, how they are made, and how you can use
them to turn your ideas into objects. In addition, we will also examine the
types of materials that can be 3D printed. At the end of the course you
should have a solid

understanding of what desktop 3D printers can do and
what you can accomplish with them. >> Thank you. I'm Jeff Ginger, I'm the director of
the Champaign-Urbana Community FabLab. Our lab was filled with all kinds of
different digital manufacturing and media production tools,
including 3D printers. We teach people how to use
these tools to create objects. I'll be teaching the capstone
course in this specialization. In this capstone,
you use the knowledge, skills, and tools that you gained from the prior
courses in this specialization to conceptualize, design, and
create a unique 3D printed object. In addition, you'll have the opportunity
to print this object through our network of 3D printing service providers. In fact, you can even use these
providers to share and market or sell this object

if you would like. Thus, this capstone will integrate the
material that you've learned in the prior courses and allow you to put
your learning into action. >> Thanks Jeff. As you can see, this specialization provides an in
depth exploration of 3D printing. But it will also give you the knowledge,
skills, and tools that you'll need to
turn your ideas into objects. I hope you'll decide to join
us on this learning adventure. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] >> Welcome to The 3D Printing Revolution. This first course in our
3D printing specialization will provide an overview
of what 3D printing is and why so many people believe that it
will revolutionize our economy. [MUSIC] My name is Eric Rindfleisch. I'm a John M Jones Professor of
Marketing at the University of Illinois. I'm also the co-founder and Executive
Director of the Illinois MakerLab. The world's first 3D printing
lab in the business school. I built my first 3D printer in 2010 and
have been actively engaged in 3D printing, education and research since that time. These experiences have convinced me
that 3D printing is a revolutionary technology that will dramatically
change our economy by allowing individuals to turn
their ideas into objects. Like most people,
you've

probably heard about 3D printing, but not really sure what 3D printing is or
why it matters to you. This course will help answer these
questions by demonstrating how 3D printers work, show you what type of things
they can make and how you can benefit, both as a consumer, but also as
a creator from this new technology. This short course consists of two modules. In our first module, week one,
we'll discuss 3D printing. >> I think 3D printing is very accessible,
very easy to understand how to use and the best part about it is there's not
a lot of prior knowledge that you need, because it's additively
building the parts. >> We've seen 3D printing being
used differently than maybe we did two years ago. Where before,
it was pure prototyping we're seeing now with material science advances,

attempts
that attacking real large problems. >> So when we looked around and said,
what are the critical technologies that we're going to need to be able to help
our clients understand for the future? Additive manufacturing 3D
printing was clearly one of them. >> This module provided an overview
of the 3D printing ecosystem, including as hardware,
software and materials and it provided an actual demonstration of the
3D printing process from start to finish. In our second module, week two,
we'll examine the revolution. >> You're taking something that's really
always been very inaccessible and it is accessible. I mean, it's not easy yet, but we can
very easily see that it will be easy. And that's a game changer, because that's
going to let you build a manufacturing infrastructure that's

going to look very,
very different than what we have now. >> Now, we're seeing software developers
connecting with the manufacturing process and making the software tools. Autodesk is a great example of this. They have their Pier 9 facility and
they're working with designers, and incorporating that, and we like to think we're doing
the same thing with our processes. We share our pilot materials and programs
with our community and take that feedback and try to improve to make it ideal for
how people really are using this. >> Right now, most 3D printers print
in relatively passive materials as the technology expands to
printing in active materials. Materials that conduct electricity. Materials that can sense, can move,
can compute, can store power. If you can print in a dozen
base materials

simultaneously, the combinations of those materials
that you can use to create objects in 3D that will be called metamaterials
is far greater than just 12 and it's a power of 12, and that's in
the exponential nature of this technology. >> In this course, we take a look at
3D printing's revolutionary potential across a variety of industries, including
fashion, retailing and manufacturing. And also, take a look at cutting edge
developments in 3D printing technology. For example, both of these topics using
a variety of learning approaches, including readings, video lectures,
hands on exercises and interviews. The variety of key players in the 3D
printing domain from both industry and also academia. By engaging in these various
learning activities, you'll increase your appreciation for
what 3D

printing is and how it's going to
revolutionize our economy. First, 3D printing is a new, low-cost, desktop technology that can
be used by just about anyone. Second, this technology allows us to
easily turn our ideas into objects and gives consumers the power to be creators. Third, 3D printing also blurs the divide
between the physical and the digital and makes it easy to remix and
customize physical objects. Fourth, by changing both the roles of
consumers and the nature of objects, 3D printing will revolutionize our
economy and change the way we live. Finally, this course will
provide a firm foundation for the remaining courses
in our specialization. And hopefully, will capture interest
in learning more about 3D printing by enrolling in these courses. Are you ready to be apart of this new

[MUSIC] Now let's take a look at how 3D
printing will change business. As we just discussed, 3D printing
is a revolutionary technology that has several advantages over
traditional manufacturing. Due to these advantages,
we believe that 3D printing will fundamentally change
business as we know it. A good way to think about
the potential impact of 3D printing is to visualize the digital
music revolution. When I was in college, a long time ago, music was a physical good,
on CDs such as this. Now this physical CD was usually created
by a large recording company and purchased at a physical store. However, the computer turned this
physical good into a digital file, that can be created by just about anyone
with access to digital editing tools, and easily downloaded for
less than a dollar. 3D

printing will have a similar impact, on
a variety of traditional, physical goods. With this new technology, nearly any
product can be digitized and downloaded. So objects will become things
delivered on your desktop. This changes everything. For example, with 3D printing you
can now download replacement parts rather than having to order
them from the manufacturer. So manufacturers no longer have to
keep these parts in inventory and logistics companies, like UPS,
no longer have to physically ship them. In addition, if a part doesn't fit, a
customer will be easily able to modify it. So we are now able to remix objects
just as easily as we remix music. So 3D printing has the potential to
change both the nature of objects as well as the role of consumers. In essence, 3D printing turns objects

into
downloads and consumers into creators. This is a fundamental shift compared to how traditional
objects are made and distributed. So let's take a closer look at each
of these two important changes. First of all, objects are becoming
downloads and the ability to download objects is a revolutionary change in
how physical goods are delivered. Typically, the place where
an object is made is far away from where it's actually used. For example, most of the things that I use
here in Champaign Illinois are made far away in China. So they have to be physically
shipped over long distances, which takes both time and money. 3D printing changes this equation by
allowing objects to be downloaded just as easily as we now download a song. So objects are just a click away and
distance is no longer a

barrier. A nice example, is this wrench. This wrench was printed by an astronaut
living on the international space station. So it's certainly much easier and
faster and cheaper than having to physically
ship this wrench from earth to space. Like we used to have to do. The second thing that it changes is us,
the role of consumers. With 3D printing consumers
become creators. If you're like me, most of the things
that you own were bought in a store and made by a big company. As a result,
we typically don't have the skills or the tools to make the things we need. So we're largely consumers and
not creators. 3D printing changes this
by making it quite easy for any of us to make the things we need. This is a revolutionary concept and makes
us less dependant upon big companies. So we are now able

to create products
that no company would ever make. Let me give you an example,
I'm holding in my hand a 20 sided dice. If you are like me and played Dungeon's
and Dragons in high school or if you now play, you know what this is. It's simply a dice with 20 sides, and
each side has a number from 1 to 20.. And this is rolled and
has important part of the game. Now if you look closely at this dice, what you'll see that in
addition having numbers. It also has braille, so it has both
visual numbers and braille numbers. Now, no company would probably
create a braille 20 sided dice. Because the number of blind Dungeons and
Dragons players is probably quite small, in order to be economical, there's no economies of scale
to produce something like this. So this dice was produced by an individual
who

was playing Dungeons and Dragons and had a blind friend
who also wanted to play. And so he simply took this dice, remixed
it by putting some braille on it and uploaded on Thingiverse. So this dice is a great example
of how consumers empowered with 3D printing technology can create
objects that no firm would ever make. If you take the rest of the specialization
you'll learn how to be empowered as a consumer creator yourself [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Hi, in this video, my goal is to examine the revolutionary
potential of 3D printing. In particular, we'll take a look at
what's special about this technology, and how 3D printing will
change the way we live. In addition, we'll take a look at some earlier
examples of this revolution in progress. And where 3D printing is
headed in the future. One of my favorite quotes about 3D
printing came from Neil Gershenfeld. Neil's a professor at MIT, founder for
the Center of Bits and Atoms. And he said about almost
10 years ago that, 20 years from now we will have Star Trek
replicators that can make anything. This quote nicely illustrates the
revolutionary potential of 3D printing. Although professional Gershenfeld's
prediction may seem a bit hard to believe, he's not alone. Over the past

three years, Jeff Bezos,
Jeffery Immelt, and President Barack Obama have identified 3D printing as
a revolutionary new technology. And in fact, according to several leading
media sources including Wired Magazine, The Economist, and the New York Times,
3D printing will lead to a new industrial revolution and
dramatically change our economy. Our additional resources page contains
links to a number of books and articles about the 3D printing revolution. In particular, I recommend this book. Makers, by Chris Anderson. Chris was the former editor and chief of
Wired magazine, which writes a lot about 3D printing and the maker movement and
this is one of the first, one of the best books,
about the maker movement more broadly, but also how 3D printing
will change our economy. I recommend it

highly. Now let's take a look at what's
special about 3D printing. 3D printing has a number of advantages compared to traditional
manufacturing techniques. I'd like to focus on four of them. The first advantage is Sustainability. 3D printing is a very sustainable
manufacturing approach in contrast to traditional subtractive manufacturing
techniques such as laser cutting or lathing, 3D printing produces
very little material waste. On average a 3D printed product
such as this uses about 90% less material than an object made
using subtractive manufacturing and thus the material costs of
3D printing are quite low. Second advantage is Self Assembly. Traditional manufacturing techniques have
a tough time making complex products. Usually, complex products
are composed of multiple parts, have to

be made separately, and
then assembled together, often by hand. In contrast, 3D printing allows
us to create complex objects that come out of
the printer self-assembled. Let me show you a couple of examples. I'm holding here some
3D printed chain mail, and this chain mail came out of
a desktop printer already assembled. So all these different
parts of the chain mail were put together while
being made by the printer. There's another way to make something
like this using traditional manufacturing techniques. A second example is this
assembled gears and this gear piece has a number of gears that
turn, as you can see and this, again, came out of the printer self
assembled just like this. A third example is General Electric,
GE, which makes airplane jets. Here's an example of a fuel
injection

device for a large jet engine that used to be
made with 26 separate components. [UNKOWN] prints this as one single piece
using advanced 3D printing technology. There's no other manufacturing process
capable of making these kinds of objects without some form of
post production assembly. A third advantage of 3D
printing is Digitization. 3D printers create products
from digital files. So this technology blurs the divide
between the digital and the physical. A digital object is no
different than a digital song. It can be shipped electronically,
downloaded, and printed locally. So eliminates the cost,
financial, temporal and environmental of shipping
of physical product. A fourth advantage is Scope over Scale,
traditional manufacture techniques such as injection molding had the advantage
of

economies and scale. In essence as the number of units produced
increases, their average cost decreases. Now the notion of economy as a scale is
one of the foundations of modern economic thought and a key reason why most of the things that
we own are mass produced by big companies. 3D printing throws this concept out
the window because 3D printers start with a blank slate, there are no set up costs. As a result it's just as easy
to make 100 different objects as it is to make 100 identical objects. So there are no more economies
of scale in 3D printing. Instead, 3D printing provides economies
of scope, by providing a way to make many different objects at a cost that's
much lower than traditional manufacturing. Economies of scope actually
favor smaller firms and individual

manufacturers,
because these smaller firms and individuals have lower overall fixed
cost compared to a large company. So 3D printing allows a small startup to
easily compete with a large corporation. Due to these four features,
3D printing is a democratizing technology. It allows nearly anyone
to become a manufacturer by lowering the cost of entry. No need to start a company or
own a factory. All you need is an idea,
some knowledge of 3D design software and access to a 3D printer. Our specialization is designed to help
you with all three of those things. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Hi. As we discussed, 3D printing blurs the dividing line
between the digital and the physical. As a result, with 3D printing
technology we can easily customize and remix physical products. For many of us, this is a radical idea. Because physical products are typically
made to have a specific form and are really hard to modify. Let me give an example. In addition to having small ears,
I also have small hands. As a result, this product, the iPhone 6
Plus, is really hard for me to grasp. So, I have this case, but
it easily slips out of my hand. This would be nice if I could take
a physical case like this and modify it to have hand grips. It would fit in my fingers more easily. Now, with 3D printing we can actually
make this customization a reality. So, the purpose of this second

exercise
is to give you some experience remixing physical products
in a digital form. So the purpose of this exercise is to take
you through remixing to give you a better insight into the revolutionary
potential of 3D printing. To do this exercise we're going to
be using the Thingiverse website with a product called
the Thingiverse customizer. Let me show you how that's done. To begin this exercise,
you first need to go to Thingiverse.com. Thingiverse is really an iTunes store for objects which you can download
thousands of designs made by others. You see on the upper right
hand portion of the webpage, you can sign in if you have an account
already, or create a new account. As you see we have an account already for
our lab, that's what came up. If you don't have an account,
simply click

create account and you could enter in
the appropriate information. It's pretty fast and easy, I'm just going
to sign in to our maker lab account. Once you do that, if you go under
the create portion of the web page, you'll see a pull down menu item for
customize a thing. So click on that, and
now you're into the customizer. And if you move down this page you'll
see a number of customizable objects. You can pick any one of those. You can scroll down and more will appear. If you hit this blue menu option, you can see more, and
also there is a search menu box. So I'm actually interested
in customizing a wrench. You may be often in that situation where
you're trying to fix something, and you have a wrench but
it's not the right size for the job. This customizer can solve that
problem by

allowing you to create the specific size wrench for
the job that you're facing. So I'm going to type in wrench into
the menu bar and see what comes up. And we see here a number
of customizable options. Let me click on this one. Customizable wrench by gr0b,
that was the creator. And show you how this works. So you'll see an image of the starting
wrench, of the starting design. This was a design that was uploaded by
the designer that you can customize. To customize you will see this
blue menu bar, Open in Customizer, just click on that. And then for each one of these there will
be a number of either pull down menus or boxes which you type certain
values to customize your thing. And as you customize, the blue image
should change in a response to the values that you enter, or
the menus that

you pull down. So here with this wrench you can actually
put in a message, such as your name, I'm going to type in my name,
Aric's wrench, and you see that appears. You can also change the font. Let's see, they have basic,
futuristic, and fancy. Let's try futuristic,
see what that looks like. See the font changes. You can also change the size of
the wrench itself, the nut size. And this is in millimeters. So, the starting value
here is ten millimeters. Let me make it a bit bigger,
make this a 12 millimeter wrench. You can also control
the thickness of the wrench. How thick it is, if it's thin or fat. I'm going to make it a bit thicker so
it's a bit stronger. So moving from a five millimeter
height to same eight millimeter. And that gets a bit thicker. And finally, the length of the tool.

Do you want something that's short? More compact? Or, or
longer to hold in your hand more easily? It's now a length of ten. I'm going to increase that by pulling
on this slider, moving that to 15. That looks a little bit too big,
maybe move it back down. So how does 12 look? And that's the beauty of the customizer,
you can easily change as you go. So, once I've modified
my customize template to suit my needs and you're happy with what
you have, just click on the bottom right. There's a create thing menu box,
click on that. And you can actually give it a name. So I'm going to type Aric Wrench. And you'll see this box,
Publish New Thing. You have an account, your design will be published under your
name under your account on Thingiverse. So you'll be a published
Thingiverse author. Please

keep that clicked, because that's essential to our exercise,
and create thing once again. You can actually go to your queue and wait as your product becomes
processed on the cloud. So, as you can see here,
the remixed object has been completed, and we have a picture of the object, and we have a unique thing number on the top
in the URL that signifies this creation. And this would be uploaded
onto your Thingiverse page since you have an account. Just like my wrench was uploaded
to our maker lab Thingiverse page. Now let me tell you how
to complete the exercise. It's very simple, first go to the exercise
portion of the second week of the course. You see a number of entry boxes, and
simply enter the required information. It will ask for three things. First of all, the object number,
you can

find that in the URL. So for example, this object,
this wrench I created is object 1155912. Just enter that number into the box so we can actually see what you created
by going there on the Thingiverse page. Second, please tell us why you
picked that item to customize, what was your reason for
picking that particular item. And finally please discuss
briefly how this remixing experience made you feel,
and what you think about it. Do you feel differently about 3D printing,
for example, after going
through this exercise. And once you do that,
you're finished with your portion. What will happen next is your submission
will be peer-reviewed by your fellow learners. And likewise you'll have
the opportunity to offer comments and review of submissions
made by your colleagues. In addition,
if you

happen to own a 3D printer, you can actually print out
this customized design. We've already discussed how
to do that in this course. If you don't have a 3D printer,
you can look for one locally using 3Dhubs.com which lists the network
of printers around the globe. You can also work through Shapeways,
one of our course partners, and get your object printed in a variety
of 3D printable materials. That's it,
I look forward to seeing your submission. [MUSIC] As I mentioned, you could actually
3D print your customized design. So we did just that. Here it is, my customized, 3D printed, Aric's Wrench, live in person. Now I just need something to tighten. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Now, let's take a look at
the future of 3D printing. Making predictions is always dangerous. As Yogi Berra once said,
it's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. None the less, I'll give it a try. At present, the stock prices for
leading 3D printing manufacturers such as 3D systems and
Stratasys have been in sharp decline. And several commentators are suggesting that 3D printing's reality
hasn't matched its hype. Although these commentators
may be partially right, we believe the future of 3D
printing is actually quite bright. In particular,
we believe there are three key trends that suggest that 3D printing's
best days are yet to come. The first trend is explosion
of 3D hardware manufacturers. Up until the year 2009,
the 3D printing industry was controlled by two

firms,
3D Systems, and Stratasys. Since then, the number of 3D printing
manufacturers have exploded. There are now over 300 companies,
making 3D printers and the number keeps on increasing. In addition, the technology that these
printers employ is quickly evolving. One of my favorites is the Mcor printer. Now this printer is made by the McCormick
brothers out of Scotland and it has a very interesting technique. This printer uses remote standard
desktop printer paper and it has a feeding mechanism that
feeds in one piece at a time. As far as it's print head it
has three separate components. First, it has a very sharp tiny
razor that cuts each sheet of paper. Second, it has a coloring
device that colors the paper. And then it finally applies a glue to
adhere one piece of paper to another.

And it keeps on repeating until you
have a 3D printed paper object, which can be finished with a varnish and
hardened. So, this is a really interesting
example about subtractive as well add in manufacture in a single unit. Another interesting example
is the new Voxel printer. This printer was designed and
created by Jennifer Lewis, who is a material science professor. She used to be at
the University of Illinois. She's now at Harvard University. And this machine has 2 print heads. One print head extrudes plastic
like a standard FDM machine and the second print head extrudes a special
conductive ink that Jennifer created. So it has these two different
print heads that allow you to do some really fascinating things. This explosion in the number
of 3D hardware manufacturers, suggests that

this is
an industry in its infancy. As a point of comparison there
are over 1 billion personal computers in the world and
less than 500,000 3D printers. So we have a long ways to go. And we're still in the very early stages
with substantial growth in the future. The second trend is the advances
in 3D printing materials. As you can see from the example of
the voxel printer, the types and capabilities of materials that can
be 3D printed is quickly growing. In addition to being able to print
material that conducts electricity, researchers are working on a material that
actually allows the 3D print a battery. Now, once we are able to 3D print
batteries of conductive ink we're only a short ways away from being
able to print electronic devices. Other examples of advanced 3D printing
materials

include liquid metal like the terminator, and graphene. Graphene is 200 times stronger than
steel and it conducts electricity. A great book that goes into
the future of these materials, is this book by Hod Lipson
called Fabricated. In this book, Hod talks about,
not just 3D printing, but something he calls 4D printing, in which
a 3D printed device will have advanced materials that actually
will change over time. Our 3D printing and hardware course,
we discuss these advances in both 3D hardware and
materials in much more detail. The third trend is developments
in 3D modeling software. There are also reported
advances happening in terms of the software that
we use to create 3D objects. At present, 3D modeling software
requires the user to obtain a fairly high degree of
technical knowledge.

In order to create usable 3D designs. However, new software is emerging
that is much more intuitive. For example, Google is working on
a new project called Soli that will allow us to create 3D objects
simply by moving our finger in space. Another interesting example is
a new method called Maker's Marks, which is being developed by
researchers at Stanford University. In the University of California. Now, this method allows
users to create 3D designs by using a combination of
modeling clay and stickers. It's quite interesting. The article that explains this technique
can be found in our additional resources page. And our 3D printing software course, we discuss developments in 3D
software in much greater detail. In order to give you some perspective, on
where we stand now in terms of the

stages of 3D printing technology,
let me tell you a bit of a personal story. Back in 1982,
when I was playing Dungeons and Dragons, one of my friends,
Atsuo Yoshida had purchased, or his parents bought him,
a new Apple II computer. Now, this computer was actually
a predecessor to the famous Mac by a couple years,
and it was a computer. You had a monitor on top of it,
actual floppy disc, and I think we had four K of RAM
which is unbelievably small. And we would use this computer to create
random number generators that we'd be using for our Dungeons and Dragons game. So after one night of playing Dungeons and Dragons and using ASUS new Apple II
computer, my grandmother picked me up. And I was raised by grandparents who
were living on social security and I got back home and
I told my

grandmother I need a computer. Has one, I need to have one as well and
she said, well how much do they cost? Well, about $2000. So, what could I do with it? Well, you can store your recipes on it. And she said to me, well,
I don't have a recipe storage problem. So as a result, as you can imagine,
we didn't buy that computer. Now, if we fast forward to today,
if I was that same young man today. And I said to my grandmother, I need a
computer, it would pretty easy to justify what I need it for,
because they can do so many things. I need to do my homework, to connect
with my friends and simply live my life. So, where we are now with
current 3D printing technology, is where we were back then 1982,
with a desktop personal computer. In effect, although we're making all
these cool things like

rhinoceroses An iPhone cases, and dice. That these are simply just recipes. To think about how far we've gone
from personal computers since 1982, imagine the fast the potential
the treaty prating holds in the future. I hope this brief discussion
derives you with the new insights into the revolutionary
potential of 3D printing and stimulates your interest in learning
more about this amazing technology. There are many videos in
this portion of the course. We'll have interviews with several
leading 3D printing experts and entrepreneurs, who are currently
leading this new revolution. I think you'll find their stories to
be both fascinating and also inspired. Looking into the future, I'd like to share
with you this quote from William Gibson, who's a famous science fiction writer and somebody

who thinks
often about the future. As a result,
about 10 years ago he was asked by Fortune magazine to offer some
thoughts about the future. And here's what he said. He said, the future is already here. It's just not evenly distributed. And that's where we
stand with 3D printing. 3D printers are already here, but
most people haven't seen them and haven't used them. So, by taking part of this specialization,
learn about 3D printing, the future will already be here for you. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Hi. I'm sitting outside of
the Illinois MakerLab, the world's first 3D printing
lab in a business school. I'll talk a bit more about why
we're here in just a moment. At this point, we've finished
the first week of our course. We've looked at what 3D printing is. And how 3D printers work. Now in the second week we're
transitioning to how this technology revolutionizes our economy and
the way we live. By allowing individuals, you and
me, to turn ideas into objects. So I thought taking a tour of the lab
would be a good place to start. Because over the past three years our
lab has helped thousands of individuals turn their ideas into objects. Also, we'll have a chance to
meet the lab director, Dr. Vishal Sachdev,
who in addition to running the MakerLab is also teaching the second

course in the
specialization, 3D Printing Applications. Let's go inside, take a look at the lab,
talk to Vishal, please join me. Hi Vishal. >> Hey Erick, how are you doing? >> Very good. Good to see you. >> Good to see you too. >> Long time no see. >> Yep. >> So you're the Director
of the Illinois MakerLab. >> Yes.
>> Can you say a bit more about what you do? In this room? >> I'm a faculty here and
I'm also director so the first thing is helpin running the lab. So we are an open access lab that is
available to students, faculty, staff members and also community members who
come In here and turn ideas into objects. >> And we're open about what,
30 hours a week? >> Regular semester is
about 30 hours a week. We're open summers as well. >> And Vishal and I co-found the lab
about roughly three

years ago. >> Three years ago, yeah. >> And over that time we have
done a lot of 3D printing. >> The good part is that we've been able
to put this facility out, of course, in a business school so the first question that people
ask is why in a business school? But the fun part is that once
you have this kind of a place, the ideas that people come up
with are absolutely amazing, and we get to witness all of that, and we'll
share some of those examples, as well. >> When we began this three years ago,
3D printing wasn't nearly as popular as today, so we really had no idea how this
lab would be used, or who would use it. And we found we sort of recently reflected
back and added up the impact of our lab. We've seen, what,
21,000 hours of printing? >> Yes.
>> Thousands of users, and by my

estimate, somewhere in the neighborhood of
400 kilograms of plastic filament that our users have turned into objects. >> I think another thing that we've
been able to achieve is that we've attracted folks from bioengineering,
from architecture, from design, small business owners from the community
who come in here and say can you help us. And our students, so we are faculty,
but students from the lab, and you'll get to meet some of them, our gurus in
>> Some of the other but really we are just
making this possible and they get all the real
helping students get started. And also they are designers as well, so we've done some interesting
projects with other clients as well. >> So we have a range of use cases,
and we'll have individuals Such as engineering students who
know quite a bit about

3D printing. >> Yep.
>> Will come in with their file on an SD card. >> Yep. >> Perhaps already sliced and prepared for
printing and just put it off and walk away. >> Yeah.
>> Come back and pick it up. All the way to individuals
of perhaps our age- >> [LAUGH] >> Who are less technologically savvy and perhaps have never really heard much
about 3D printing, but they have an idea. >> Yeah.
And say I have idea for a cookie cutter. >> Yeah.
>> Could you turn that into an object for me? And we have our gurus,
our students who design this. >> And will print it and people walk away
with an actual physical object that was a short time before just a concept? >> So I would say 90% of
the work we focus on is on getting students in here
experience with printing. The charges are pretty low. The cost of

failure is very low. And, we do workshops virtually
every day during regular semesters. And of course, we have two full
semester length courses as well. And we hope that this course that
we are putting online makes more of you get into making digitally. So Vishal, let's talk a little bit about
what we discussed what happens in the lab. Can we talk a bit about some
of the things that we made and the tools that we have to help
our users make these objects? >> So we have, if you can see this is
one of the Ultimaker extended printers. >> Yeah this is the big one. >> This is the big one. >> Extended as you can see we
>> We use it to make really big things like this-
>> [LAUGH] Yeah, to make a robot. >> This giant ultimaker robot. So we have now two of our
benefactor's Ultimaker. We have a

collection of around,
what's it, 16? >> 16 printers. >> 16 printers, and we'll have in the I believe the fourth
course in the specialization. Actually, Matt Griffin and Ultimaker
will be going into details about how these printers are made and how they work,
what type of materials that they print on. >> If we can have a look at some of the
other examples that students have printed. Chess board right next to the printer
as well that's a nice thing that our gurus made over summer It's another
interesting that students in my class in Spring 15 worked
on was a project which is for enable the future organization where they
look for volunteers who have 3D printers. So spare capacity and who want to help
out to create hands that can help our children with a defect where
they don't have fingers

from birth. These low cost hands that can be made for
about 20, $25 are a great way to put this kind of technology to
action for some social good as well. We'll have some more examples here,
and we can have a look at the in sort of our main workflow where
we have all the printers set up. >> So this is the main printer,
the UltaMaker 2, so the workhorse, we have a dozen
printers here on the work station. >> We have some of the small ones as well. >> The prints over here on the SD card. So actually all of these objects that
you see began as we discussed earlier, a digital file. And we have the smaller, the-
>> The Ultamaker to go >> Which is a smaller, cuter version of the Ultamaker and
portable. >> Much more portable, yes. >> Comes with a nice carrying
case that you can take with you. What

do students do here
Vishal with the computers? What do they use them for? >> So here is when you need to,
students are free to come in and actually model here as well. So they have Tinkercad or
Fusion 360 or even Autodesk inventor. So they might sit here and
create the part, but many times students
would walk in with a file. And they need to get it from let's say the .stl format into .gcode
that the printers use. So converting that, aligning that,
slicing that all happens on the computers. >> Okay. >> So you can see on the wall we have
several of the products that students made here. And we'll, so
this is an interesting project. [CROSSTALK] This is the cookie cutter. >> [CROSSTALK] that we mentioned earlier. >> Yes. >> Can you tell us this story
about how this came to be and- >> Sure.

Actually this, the lady who,
she went to Japan and she found a cookie cutter
that she really liked, but she wasn't able to buy more of
that once they started breaking. So one of our designers here, Scott, was
able to essentially recreate the design digitally and then print out perhaps
three iterations of the cookie cutter. For example, the original cookie cutter
didn't have such a thick handle, but the user said I need
something bulkier to hold onto. And for perhaps a little under, in terms
of design cost maybe about $25 extra. Now she has a digital design that
she can print as many copies for pretty cheaply or perhaps make
some more changes if she finds, hey this is a doesn't work so
well let me try and tweak something. >> So she has a backup copy,
>> She has a backup, we can Show some of

the things
that students made in the lab. >> Okay.
>> So this is another example of a candleholder. So these are the three spaces
where you can put up a candle. So you can essentially
customize this any design. If it's a holiday or
some holiday relevant to you, you can make your own
candleholders as well. >> Great, and
this was one of our learners. >> Yeah, one of our learners made that. Another good example of we are again
highlighting the scope versus scale and ideas and
again turning an idea into object. One of the community members
here who have business where they are selling software essentially for
3D cameras. So they have,
they also buy some 3D cameras and give that as demo units
to their customers. But the challenge they were
facing was that this camera, they are external and we

need to put
them on, either a laptop or a desktop. >> So, these are cameras for
the like the Microsoft Connect. >> Yeah, so it's just a small camera. >> About this big. >> Yeah.
And they go on top of a laptop. >> Or a desktop. >> Or a desktop, but
there's no easy way to connect it. >> Yeah, so you just gotta find something
to hold it on top of the screen. So initially they had
a design already developed that would sit on top of a laptop. And they needed a small run, so
they didn't want to go again and get a big run made, so we made some
about a hundred pieces of these for them to give to their clients. So this was a case in which if I
recall correctly, that our client was getting many of these piece
injection molded from China. >> Yes. >> But they only needed a few of them and it would be

too expensive using
traditional manufacturing. And so they came to us and said, could
you run a small batch, a hundred or so. Actually, in this case,
the fellow had the digital design- >> He had the design, yes. >> And he just came in and printed it. So it was orginal factory. So this was the original design. And what do you have there? >> These were meant for laptop screens and
they work great for laptops, but he then had to give these cameras for
Somebody who was using these on desk tops. And desk top screens are not so
uniform at the back but you have all different kinds of shapes so
it doesn't sit easily so we [CROSSTALK] >> That wouldn't work? >> That wouldn't work. So we again looked at three or
four different kind of desk top screens. And again, our gurus here
designed actually two

variants. This is one of them. So this has a different shaped
back which is not as curved so it can handle a straighter
back on the desktop screen. And also can handle desktop screens
where there is some other kind of other contours of the back. >> So this was a version of this. >> Yes, and we actually made two versions
of this, one for a particular kind of desktop, one a little smaller, and
the time it took is like half an hour. It took us twice this. But this technology is
going to become genetic and not so high tech maybe in a few years. But what the platform allows you to do is give you the capabilities
saying yes I can. And earlier you wouldn't think about it. So that shift that happens is what we
hope our learners will also see is that you can do it now. And it's possible and
it's

possible to do it for one, five, ten, 50 pieces without
setting up a manufacturing unit. >> So, in addition to enabling
this I can do it mentality, we're also enabling someone
without the resources. >> True. >> So we can have a poor college student,
for example, can come in and use a lab like this with some
knowledge of 3D printing, and use of a free or low cost 3D
design program like Tinkercad And some might be in
the manufacturing business. >> Absolutely. >> It's that easy and
it's that inexpensive. >> Well actually, even if we look
at this in a business school. So some of the firms which are the
consulting firms, like Deloitte, and Ernst & Young. And all of these are looking at how this
technology can then change supply chains, can impact marketing, can impact pricing,
can impact in how

you manage an inventory. So they need people who
understand what this can do and how this can change manufacturing. So that's only from in
terms of managing a firm. But if you look at from a perspective
of actually, from research and design or innovation. We have people who are saying, we need students who understand how
this changes the design process as well. >> So what you're saying, Vishal, is that
this technology is good not only for entrepreneurs or individuals who want
Halloween costumes or cookie cutters. But also for folks who want to
upgrade their skills For employment. >> Absolutely. >> And saying that we're seeing
an increased number of companies. I know some of the companies we've dealt
with, Walmart, British Petroleum, Deloitte to name a few, Granger, are interested in
>> In

individuals who understand both
business and the 3D printing. >> Yeah, yeah
>> Any other stories you'd like to share with us? >> I think just to leave the our learners
with a message of what they will see in my course as well. >> Sure.
>> So, some of the concepts you talked about in terms of scale versus scope and
sustainability and complexity, or the ability to print complex
design without the need to assemble. We'll dealt a little bit more into that
and look at some case studies in detail. I will focus a little bit more also on. So what you'll get some skills and
these software, and the hardware module. But we also wanted to make you aware
of what the ecosystem is to go from and idea to an object. So we'll talk about some case
studies where 3D printing is now in your neighborhood. Talk

about case studies with UPS and
3D Hubs, and finally before you start learning about software, we'll
talk about the design thinking process. So, you'll learn what is all possible
in course, you see some more case case studies and some more potential of
3D printing applied to different context. But before you start learning the skills, we'll give you a framework on design
thinking which helps you go from identifying a problem to
actually making a prototype. And then software and
then you learn how the hardware works and then you come in the Capstone where you
will apply all what you have learned in to an actual project you work on. >> That was really great,
thank you so much for you time. >> Thank you. >> And before we leave, I just want to point out that if you ever
find yourself in

Champaign or Illinois. Please feel free to stop by our lab. We're open to everyone. We look forward to seeing you in
the rest of this weeks lessons, and hopefully Vishal will also see
you in his class down the road. >> Thank you
>> Great, thank you [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Hi, at this point you probably have a good
understanding of what 3D printing is and how 3D printers work. You've also seen our MakerLab. What we'd like to do now is show you
some of the people who use our lab, the gurus, the students, and
our general walk-in customers. Each of these folks have it, their own individual story of how
they turned their ideas into objects. Let them tell you that story. >> Hi, I'm Cameron. I'm from Chicago, and
I'm studying engineering mechanics. >> Hi, my name is Arielle. I'm from Cape Coral, Florida and
I'm studying entrepreneurship. >> Hi, my name is Scott, and
I'm from Southern Illinois, and I'm studying aerospace engineering. >> You guys ready? >> Yep.
>> Let's get started. [SOUND] Hi Cameron. >> Hi Eric. >> Thanks for joining us today. >> Not a

problem. >> Could you tell us
your 3D printing story? How did you become interested
in this technology? >> Through one of my organizations
on campus, Makers UIUC, I had the idea of getting a team
together and working on a project where we could scan people from head to toe and
build 3D-printed models of them. And so that was where I really started
getting involved in 3D printing. And I started doing some research, I started using the modeling software
that I learned as an engineering student. And we worked on that project, and I got a lot of experience
working with 3D printers. [SOUND] So I've made all sort of things,
from fixing little objects around my house to different objects that
I've made for my design classes. One of my favorite projects was this
product, which is a prototype for a

detachable roller skate. So there are two pieces, and
the bottom piece attaches to the wheels of a roller skate and
the top piece would attach to your shoe. And so you could attach and
detach them whenever you wanted to, and you could walk around or
skate around campus. I printed this out. It went through probably 10 or
11 iterations. It's made up of four different parts. My team and I kept printing model after model until we
got something that was semi-functional. [SOUND] Each piece that we have, the two
main pieces and these two locking hinges. The only part of this that isn't 3D
printed is two little pieces of paper clip that are connecting the objects together. >> Is that just a regular paper clip? >> Yep, yeah, just something I
grabbed off my desk to make it fit. [SOUND] I'd like to

continue working
on it, continue making better models. The fit isn't exactly perfect right now,
as most projects are with 3D printing. You have to keep working at it,
so I'd like to keep building it, actually get it on a skate. We designed it so that it could be used
with pretty much all the skates that are out on the market right now. So we'd like to start using it, and maybe even developing it into a small
business if it really worked that well. [SOUND] It was probably about $5 or
6 total in materials, which really isn't that much. A lot of it is hollow inside, so it's just really the structure around
it that is what you can see here. >> So even affordable for
a college student. >> Definitely, definitely. That was our goal. [SOUND] It's a really exciting experience,
because it's not like

you're going into a store and you see
something that that's something I want. That'll work for my needs,
and you go get it. It's something that you have a need for,
and then you have the ability to
create exactly what you want. You have all this customization, and you get to have 100% input
on what you're creating. And that really gives you a lot of power
to develop some really great things. And watching those products come to life,
watching an idea that you had in the back of your head just print out in front of
you, it's a really, really cool feeling. [SOUND] I think it's a really
awesome opportunity that anybody taking this course has. It's a very new technology
that's coming out, and not a lot of people know about it. And the more that you're
learning about it now, the more exciting

it'll be as
the technology improves in the future. So I'd definitely be excited about the
opportunity that you have right now, and take full advantage of it. [SOUND]
>> Well hi, Arielle. >> Hi. >> Thanks for joining us. >> Anytime. >> Could you tell us a bit about your 3D
printing story, how you became interested? >> So I became interested in
3D printing through a course that I took at the University of Illinois,
in the College of Business. It was taught by Vischal. And so this course was just
an introduction to 3D printing. I knew nothing about 3D printing
before I took the class. So I learned everything I know from there. And that's just how I got started. [SOUND] I had no training
in engineering or design whatsoever before
I took this course,. And I'm starting to kind of dabble in

both
of them, and I really, really enjoy it. It's just a really nice change and
mix up from my typical business classes. So it was just something that I
thought would be a good hobby. But it kind of turned into something
that I want to pursue as a career now. [SOUND] We had an assignment in class
to bring an object to get scanned. And I'm on the racing wheelchair team
here at the University of Illinois. And we use these really special gloves
that we make by hand in order to propel our racing wheelchairs. So I thought it would be interesting
to try and scan a glove, because it has really complex geometries that are matched
to each individual racer's hands. So I thought it was a really
interesting concept, and something that I would like to try. So I was able to scan it and then print the

very first racing wheelchair
glove here at University of Illinois. It worked really well, surprisingly. I wasn't really expecting it to
be extremely durable or anything, because of the material. But it turns out that it's very,
very durable. And now four or five people on
my team are able to use them for marathons that they push and
during practice. And it's been very successful,
which is pretty surprising. [SOUND] So we make the gloves by hand. And so then when I went into the lab and I used the 3D scanner to scan
the glove that I had already made. Then I took that scan file and cleaned
it up in a program called Geomagic. And then I was able to export it and then print it on a MakerBot in the
printing lab at University of Illinois. This glove is really, really incredible
because it's so

much cheaper than the gloves that we were previously making
by hand, and it's also so much lighter. And so the original gloves
would cost about $350 to make. And then these gloves cost about $4 to
make, which is an incredible price drop. The part that's most important for
functionality for my team is the weight. The original glove
weighed about 174 grams. This one weighs only about 70. So we also were able to cut the weight by
more than 50%, which has greatly impacted speed and turnover for our stroke,
for how we push our racing wheelchair. And it's also decreased injury,
because the less weight that it is, the less stress it puts on
our tendons in our wrist. [SOUND] I am working with other
people on my wheelchair racing team. And so I'm teaching them how to use
the software and how to use

the printers, just so that way, after I leave they'll
be able to continue doing this and making gloves for all the wheelchair
racers here at Illinois in the future. So I would love to be able to take
scans of people's hands from all around the world, and
then have them send me that scan. And I could produce a customized glove and be able to ship it to
them across the globe. [SOUND] I think 3D printing is really
revolutionary because it places a ton of power with the consumer. And so no longer do we have to
rely on manufacturing units and large corporations in order to get the
kind of products that we need at home and any use, for sports, for
home use, for education. And so now we can just
create these objects on own, which I think is incredible,
because there's so much potential there. And

there's just so
many things that you can do. [SOUND] When I first introduce
people to 3D printing, I usually lead them to Thingiverse and
let them just explore. Because when they start exploring on
Thingiverse and see all of the different creations that other people have made,
I think that kind of lights a little spark of creativity in them and
inspiration in them. And so then they kind of think of ideas
that they would like to produce or that they would like to make. And then I kind of start
them on basic software, just using the MakerBot desktop interface,
and then using Meshmixer, or programs like that, just because they're
very good introductory programs. And any advice I have
would be just to try it. Because a lot of people get intimidated
and they're like, I could never do that. It

sounds very complicated. But it's definitely not, coming from someone who knew nothing
about engineering at all before. And now it's a passion of mine,
I would say. It's definitely really, really doable. [SOUND]
>> Hi, Scott. >> Hi.
>> Thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about
your 3D printing story, how you became interested
in this technology? >> So I began using the 3D printers
because I was trying to be creative. And I didn't want to buy a phone case for
my iPhone. I didn't want to spend $40, $50 on
one that was just going to wear out. I wanted to be a little bit more creative. So I visited MakerLab one day. And I actually had my own design that
I had modeled using a CAD software. And I printed it out at MakerLab, and
I paid for it, and it didn't fit. I went back to the

computer lab and
I remodeled it, adjusted a little bit. I went back to MakerLab and
I printed it out, and it didn't fit. But I went back to the computer lab and I adjusted a little bit more,
and then this third time it fit. And it wasn't the perfect fit, but it fit. And after a couple more iterations,
I was able to get a perfect fit. And at that point,
I started to put my own designs into it. And I was the guy who had the 3D-printed
phone case with a bunch of different cool designs. [SOUND] I've made all sorts of stuff. And a lot of stuff is for either broken
belongings that I have that I want to extend the product life of,
or things for my friends. And just one example is,
here I've got my calculator. And it's a pretty expensive calculator. And at one point I lost the back to it. I tried

doing all sorts of stuff, but
the batteries kept falling out, and there's nothing to do. So one day I thought,
well, why not 3D print one? So I went to my friend and I asked to
borrow his back to his calculator, and I was able to
replicate it using a ruler. And just a couple iterations,
about three iterations, and I was able to replace
the back to my calculator. And now my batteries
don't fall out anymore. [SOUND] I could have bought
one from Texas Instruments, but I would rather not do that. Because it feels really good, and
it's really, really cool to do things yourself and to build things yourself and
to just have power as a consumer. And that's what I think is the biggest
pro of 3D printing at this point in time. A lot of stuff, there's a lot of marketing
towards building your own

things or DIY projects. But I think the biggest thing,
in my opinion, is being able to fix your things
without having to buy new things. And especially if you have sentimental
value towards the things that you have, your belongings,
you want to repair them yourself. And actually,
it creates even more sentimental value. And so I've noticed,
as I work at the MakerLab as a guru, whenever clients come in and they're able to fix their belongings with
either 3D models that they find online, something that I've modeled for them, or
something that they've modeled themselves, they always have a smile on
their face when they walk out. Because they know that they've
made an accomplishment and they've fixed something themselves,
something that they care about. And now they care about it
even more

because of it. [SOUND] There are three
aspects to my job at MakerLab. The first one is open hours. So during open hours, people can come into
the lab and they can print themselves. And I'm there to help them print and
guide them along the way. And a lot of times, they come in with
their own models that they've designed by themselves, or they just print from models
they find online on various websites. And so my biggest role in that aspect
is just working with the printers, using the technology. And the second aspect of my job is
the modeling services that I do. So clients will come in oftentimes with
either designs they have on paper, or just ideas, or
a broken something from home. And they say, can you help me with this? Can you model this for me? And so of course I can. And so I take

their designs home, or if they don't have designs
then I think it up myself. And I bring it back to the lab and
I print it, and we see if it works. And if it works, that's great. And if it doesn't work,
we try again, and we meet and we figure out how we can make it
work better, and we do iterations. And that's one of the biggest powers
of 3D printing, is the ability to do iterations quickly, and
do rapid prototyping for things like that. The third aspect to my job as
a guru at Illinois MakerLab is the workshops that I do. In these workshops,
we teach how to model, so from basic to advanced modeling softwares. We teach people how to 3D scan. And we teach people how to use
the printers, and how the printers work. [SOUND] For people who are just starting
out with the 3D printing technology

and they're using design softwares,
I would suggest to just start tinkering. Tinker at home,
a lot of the software is free online. And anything from Autodesk,
if you're a student, is free. There are 3D printers everywhere,
at universities, at libraries, at schools. Just start building things. And eventually, if you're not inspired
initially by something you found online, you'll soon realize something that
you always wanted to build, or something that you've
always wanted to make, or something that has broken at home
that you've always wanted to fix. And it'll become a hobby, it'll become a pastime, and
you'll get pretty good at it from that. >> As you just heard from these three
stories: from Arielle, from Scott, and from Cameron, 3D printing is easy,
empowering, and enables you to make

things
you couldn't buy in a store. I hope these three learner stories
help you find your own personal learner story and inspire you
to turn your ideas into objects. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Hi. We're here in Long Island City, New York
to visit a company called Shapeways. Shapeways was initially a spinoff of
Philips Electronics in the Netherlands. They now have a branch
here in New York and it's the world's largest
provider of 3D printed products. In essence,
if you send Shapeways your idea, they'll print you a 3D product in
a variety of different materials. We're here to meet with Lauren Slowik. Lauren is a design evangelist, will give
us a tour of the Shapeways facility and talk a bit about what Shapeways does and how they can help you turn
your ideas into objects. Let's go see if we can find her Some things being printed. Finally, the entrance. Let's go see if we can find Lauren. I'm looking for Lauren. Lauren. >> Hey.
>> Nice to see you, thanks for joining us. We

appreciate you taking your time. >> Of course. I was in graduate school
from 2011 to 2013. Around the time MakerBot
was making a big splash, they were based in Brooklyn, I'm in New
York, so it was this hometown excitement. The school had gotten a few of them and at the same time, the Microsoft Kinect
sensor became available, and I started writing code to create a 3D
scanning clothing sizing software. So I started on the other end, I started by working with the real world
and bringing it into the computer. A natural evolution to that was
now I've got this 3D data in my computer and now I understand
I can get it back out there and that's when I knew I had to
get my hands on a 3D printer. I was fortunate enough to get a MakerBot
2x, which has a heated bed and can use ABS, and so I ended up

doing
my graduate thesis research on how to teach a novice to use 3D
printing and the novice was myself. I taught myself how to 3D model and
I've been doing it ever since. It's kind of what I'm doing right now,
it's 3D printing and its capabilities touch on so
many different industries and so many different capabilities that my job is
to kind of stand at the intersection of all of those and
point people in the right direction. If you are a business person and
you want to use 3D printing for prototyping, I can point
you to resources that way. I work in Shapeways between teams and also with educators outside and also just
people who are motivated to find out more about how they can use the exciting
potential and help them realize that. Shapeways is the world's
largest 3D printing service and

marketplace and community. We started as a startup incubator at
Philips Royal in Holland, in Eindhoven, and after a year there, we spun out
as our own company, that was in 2008. We have a factory in Eindhoven and
a factory here in New York City. We have two internal facilities and then we also use partner
facilities all over the world. We offer printing services in
over 50 different materials and finishes, including precious metals,
porcelain, steel, plastics, high-detail acrylic, you name it, and
we're always exploring new stuff. You should check out our pilot materials
page, it's really interesting. We have a DMLS aluminum
on there right now, as well as interlocking metals and
some other new types of plastic. A big part of our mission and
our service is including our community in the

development of new processes and
new materials, and really just giving people access to
stuff that was really only accessible by high-end R&D departments
from big corporations. Now we're giving access to that to just
about anyone and that's what's the most fun, it's democratizing innovation and
using the advantages of software platforms and connected spaces
to give people that access. If you have a browser and
an Internet connection, you're connected to advanced manufacturing
factories all over the world. [SOUND] The starting point is
they need a water type model. I'm sure you guys will cover that in the
class but you need to use any kind of 3D modelling software to generate a model
that is watertight and you can then create an account on Shapeways.com and
upload that watertight model. It

will go through some automated
checks to make sure that it can successfully be printed. Once you place the order,
we also have engineers and staff here who will manually
inspect the model and the design and help you get it
through the manufacturing process. Then it goes through several different
steps depending on the material, polishing, finishing, at least ten people
touch your model before it actually gets to you and then we ship it to
you wherever you are in the world. If you're printing in our basic
introductory nylon material, which we do the most printing of,
white strong flexible nylon, we call it, that can take anywhere between
five to six business days, from the time you submit the order
until you receive it in the mail. The process is essentially the same. You're building up an

object from
the bottom up, layer by layer. What's different is the materials and
how that material is fused together. With the large nylon centering machines
that we use here in the facility, it's a powder material that
started of in a flat bed and then the laser inside the machine is
the precision element that creates layers. It does the same movement as an FTM
extrusion head but rather than extruding material, it's a laser beam that
melts the nylon to the previous layer. It's called selective laser centering. The advantages to that process over
something like FDM, fused deposition, is that there's no support
structure to remove after the fact. You can get away with sometimes even more
complex form factors than you might be able to do on a desktop printer. I'm a huge fan of desktop

printers, and those are indispensable for prototyping
and getting those first ideas out. They make you a more confident designer,
and so having access to them is absolutely important
when you're learning how to do this stuff. We like to say is that we are making
products, not just prints. These are finished goods,
these are things that you can go and sell, we have our whole
marketplace feature and they can go right from the factory,
right to your end user. The Shapeways marketplace is essentially
a space on the site where you as a user can begin to make your design available
for sale, directly from Shapeways. We use our factory to
become your factory and you can end up selling your products
directly to your consumers from the site. Once you start an account,
you have the option to open a

shop and you can make your products available
in any number of materials that it will successfully print in. Essentially, people can purchase directly
from the Shapeways marketplace and you as the designer set the mark up. There's a base cost for producing an
object, which is the price that you'll see as a maker on the site, and
then you as the designer can say I want to make 20% more on this iPhone case and
that price will adjust automatically. At the end of every month,
you'll get paid. We have a huge reach on our social media,
we do marketing. We've got a really great
Christmas gift guide. We work with our community to help
them become better designers and help them get exposure where they need. The software is becoming easier to use, the materials are becoming
more consumer ready. When

you compare it to traditional
manufacturing, you can do some things that were previously thought to be
somewhat almost impossible. Complex form factors and mass customization that would
almost price themselves out of normal manufacturing suddenly
become almost cheap in comparison. It enables this new style of design and
then of course, just the fact that it democratizes
access to manufacturing. When you try to do
traditional manufacturing, you have make it worth the factory's
while to produce your object, which usually means a minimum
order of 10,000 or something. And then you as the designer or product
maker have to cross your fingers and say, god, I hope I nailed this product,
and 10,000 people actually want this. Instead, with 3D printing,
you have a couple of different advantages. One,

you can update your design as you
learn more about what's working and what isn't because it's a model
that exists in a software format. And two, you can do on-demand
manufacturing, and this is a huge advantage for new designers because they
don't have to have that minimum order. In five years, I'd like to think that we're going to see some huge improvements
in consumer design software. Never before have the 3D modeling
softwares that are out there been pushed to design directly for something
that's going to exist in the real world. Most of the softwares
we're using are either for 3D animation and computer graphics,
developing a product for engineering that will ultimately be
realized with a different process. Now we're seeing software
developers connecting with the manufacturing process

and
making the software tools. Autodesk is a great example of this. They have their Pier 9 facility, and
they're working with designers and incorporating that and we like to think we're doing
how people really are using this. A big change that we're going to see
is the machines and the materials being from the ground up developed and designed
with that type of use case in mind. The machines that we're all using now
were created for rapid prototyping, which is great but they definitely have
some limitations that when it comes to consumer products,
people are expecting quality and lasting stuff that sometimes prototyping materials
were

never developed with that in mind. If you're not sick of my voice and
face, I have a couple of free videos on our Shapeways YouTube channel,
so YouTube.com/Shapeways. We have also partnered with
a couple other platforms, so there's lots of resources, if you Google
Shapeways tutorials, they'll be out there. I love instructables. If you're looking for project-based learning that can
incorporate not just 3D modeling and printing but also other types of
tinkering, that's a really great resource. If you're getting started and you're
thinking about doing your very first project, one of the best resources
is Shapeways.com/Materials because we go into deep guidelines
about how each material behaves. How big you can go, how small you
can go with those materials and those will often heavily

influence the way
that you start designing your objects. If you already know you want to make
homewares or a piece of jewelry, that usually indicates you're going to use
a particular type of material and knowing how the product is going to end up is
a great place to start with your design. [SOUND] Understand that it's a process. 3D printing has been billed as this
kind of push button, like a microwave, you put it in, ding, and it's done and
that's really not how it works. Largely for two reasons, one,
when you add a third dimension, you exponentially add other
considerations when you're designing. Also, the industry is learning
along with you at the moment. The machines are getting better, the
software is getting better all the time, and oftentimes,
you have to find your own way. Don't

give up, I know it's going to be
tricky to get that first product out but you'll be so proud of yourself and
you'll learn a ton about how to design for the next time. >> Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Hi, we're here in
Brooklyn New York once again. We're here today to talk
with Francis Bitonti. Francis is world famous for being one of the first people to print
a dress using 3D printing technology. We've talked to Francis about this dress, about the cool projects that he's working
on now in that 3D printing domain. Let's go see if we can find him. Come on in. Well, good morning, Francis. Thank you for
taking the time to meet with us today. >> Yeah, my pleasure. Great meeting with you. >> Can you tell us a bit
about your 3D printing story, how you became interested
in this technology? >> Sure, so I started as an architect. I was an architect that was displaced. I was working as an industrial designer
at the time, and we were using it for prototyping. And, it was just sort of one

of these like
a-ha moments when we got a prototype back. Like it had similar mechanical
structural properties to what we were getting out of injection molding,
but I got it without tooling. I got it really fast, and we're able to do
things that I couldn't do through molding. So I just became really,
really fascinated with it after that, and I had this kind of dream in my head
that it could be a manufacturing tool. I still consider what I do pretty
close to industrial design. The way that we have to think about
projects is much closer to how an industrial designer might think than
a fashion designer because we're not really working with fabrics. We're making things soft, but a lot of materials we start with
are not in the realm of textiles. We learn textiles, but I don't think
like the

kinds of materials and what we end up with in the assembly
process has very much to do with what fashion designers deal with. So I'm reluctant to kind of call myself
that, like most of what we work on gets on someone's body, so
it's fashion in that respect. But from a materials
design sort of standpoint, I would consider the expertise
of the studio to be more chores industrial design. I don't think it was
the first 3D printed dress. It was one of the first
that was articulated and flexible, and it had lot of features
that were unique at the time. But I don't think it was the actual first. >> One of the first. >> It was one of the first. Yes, definitely,
definitely one of the first. >> Well,
it's not something that we see everyday? >> No. [LAUGH]. >> Most of us don't have one in
their

wardrobe I would imagine. >> I don't think so, no,
that was an expensive dress. [LAUGH] It's very similar to how
you would design a dress normally. I think the big difference
is with 3D printing, you're tasked with designing
your own material. Like on that dress, we had a design on
these little articulated joints, and then we had to come up
with a way to manage, I think there was like 3,000 unique
articulated joints in there. So like we started in a very,
very small scale and then we made methods for
applying that to something larger. >> So,
all of those 3,000 pieces were 3D printed? >> Yes. >> How long did that take? >> The printing wasn't that long. I think they printed the whole
dress in about two days. >> Really? That's amazing. >> It took longer to kind of polish it,
to glue crystals

on, then it did the printing, yeah. A lot. I think this is probably one of the things
that needs to be resolved in the industry the most. We've got a lot of CAD packages. And I think the reason for that is they're
all kind of good at something else, and we've sort of cobbled together work flows
that make sense for what we're doing. There's a gap right now, and a lot of
the software that you would use for the industrial designer's
mind is in the past. They're designed for like machining. With 3D printing, you're dealing
with parts that are low volume, high surface area. When you're machining stuff, you usually
get low surface area, high volume, because you're given like standard box of
material and a lot of it is obstructive. So the tools are designed for that,
and I don't really think we

have much out there right now on the way
of designing tools that are, I think that make sense the way in additive,
you would design for an additive process. It's a lot of thermoplastics, yeah, that's
the kind of majority of what we work with. I'd see a distant future
with organic materials, but I don't know if I see it
in the very near future. We've been putting a lot of energy
in looking at elastomeric materials, things like that. Because we were looking at it like
cellular structures, like assembling lots of small, rigid components, and
I think that's inherently limited. So I think on the wearable
technology side, it's an advantage to that because
if you're dealing with polymers, you can have invented electronics,
sensors, things like that. I think there's a multimaterial
proposition

there, and as an advantage to having elastic
materials that can address the body. So I think that's going to
be a huge value add for 3D printing on the fashion textiles front. On the other side, I think we've
been seeing a lot of shoes, and that makes a lot of sense because we
are working with plastics right now. I think midsoles, outsoles, insoles,
all that stuff, their complex geometry, the sizing, size is complicated. It's never really been solved. Well, I think the way we make shoes has
been, it's made customization difficult. It's a million dollar, well,
more than a million dollar question. I guess, like the things I could say for
sure is that you're going to have an increase in the amount of desktop
technologies that are available. I definitely see things going like
smaller, faster,

cheaper already, inspite of I think what a lot of
the public has seen as a frustration, like it's not doing that. It absolutely is, I think this hardware
gets there a lot slower in software. And I think within five years,
you'll completely see that happening. I think they'll be an incentive to start
selling files or maybe print it home for certain things. The print-at-home thing is still very
questionable to me in what role that might play in someone's house. I don't think it's going to be like
the replicator from Star Trek. I think it be like something
you'd have in your tool shop. I think the cost of machines and
materials is coming down. They're going to get more competitive. And it's going to open up
a lot of opportunities, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what. Scanning's only as

good as the tools,
you have to analyze the scan. It's a lot of data, and I find we
don't really use scanning all that much without working with someone who
has some software to process that scan. Like we've done a lot of work with shoes
recently, and there's this kind of idea, I'm going to scan my foot and
then use the foot to build the model. There's a relationship between
the form of the product and the thing that goes on your body, and
it's not a one-to-one relationship. So like we really need software to
process scans in a meaningful way. I think that if you have been involved
with working with the kinds of materials that 3D printers can and
the kinds of things you can get out of it, it's mind-blowing right away because
you're not offering industrial scale, these machines are really

small. They're basically portable. You're taking something that's really
always been very inaccessible, and it is accessible. I mean, it's not easy yet, but we can
very easily see that it will be easy. And that's the gamechanger, because that's
going to let you build a manufacturing infrastructure that's going to look very,
very different than what we have now. Takes a long time to get
hardware to market, and you see this a lot when
you look at startups. Like software startups,
you'll hear about funding, and then boom, they're on the market. And then a hardware comes out, and it's usually a year later
before that product ships. All right, so you're already starting
at this much slower rate of evolution, and there were a lot of patents that I
think prevented healthy competition, especially

around things like materials,
that really kind of kept costs super high and sort of kept in this realm
of being exclusive to prototyping. That happened with FDM, there's a lot
of stuff going on with FDM, and I find FDM really exciting right now. And it's been in
the public domain a while. We've had a chance to let people iterate
and innovate, and now it's mature. As we're starting to see a lot of these
patents run out, you're going to see that same thing happen, and I think
the rate of innovation will increase. Our website is a good place,
social media, we post a lot. Actually, social media is
probably better than the website. I don't update the website that much. >> And the social media site,
what would our learners type in to find. >> Just my name, Francis Bitonti,
Twitter, Facebook. >>

Thank you for your time. >> Cool, thanks a lot. >> Really appreciate it. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Hi.
I am here at the campus of Columbia University,
one of the world's greatest universities. We're here to speak with Hod Lipson. Hod recently moved to Columbia after
spending many years at Cornell University, one of my Alma maters. Hod is one of the leading academics
in the domain of 3D printing and one of the first to bring 3D
printing to the desktop level. Also he's the author of this book,
Fabricated. It's one of the best books on
the topic of 3D printing, and in this book Hod lays out a very ambitious
agenda about the future of 3D printing. So we're here to talk with Hod about his
book, about the future of 3D printing and what it means for all of us. Come on, let's see if we can find Hod. Hi Hod. >> Hi. >> Thank you for meeting with us today. >> My pleasure. >> Could you tell

us first of all how
you get started with 3D printing? What's your 3D printing story? >> I first saw it around
1989 actually in college. And I thought that manufacturing
is instantly obsolete, but there's no more conventional
manufacturings going to take over. But that didn't happen. 30 years later,
technology is still in its infancy, but for me, it was fascinating to see
how we can use this technology to make things that we
can't make any other way. I got started with actually working
with 3D printing first as a user. We were making robots and we were making robots that were
designed automatically by software and the robots were basically impossible to
make using conventional processes, but the availability of 3D printer that
was back in 99 allowed us to make these robots that basically

unleashing
the potential of design automation, in a way that was not possible before. We reached the limits of 3D
printing at the time very quickly, and we started to try to
expand the technology itself. Back in the early 2000s when we started
working and developing 3D printers and we really wanted to work with printing
multiple materials at the same time. And of course multiple materials to
the printers were not available. We had to develop our own 3D printer
to do that and we developed what we called then the Fab@Home which was our own
custom-made 3D printer that worked with multiple materials but very quickly
realized that the industry was stuck in this vicious cycle of
expensive machines and narrow markets. And I think that the entire industry of
additive manufacturing was so

handicapped. So we decided to open-source the
technology, create some kind of platform that anybody could use to, basically
anybody could make their own 3D printer. At the same time, in parallel, the RepRap appeared as another open-source
printer from the University of Bath in the UK with very much the same kind
of idea of democratizing the access. So, that happened around 2005, 2006. There were hundreds of
these printers made. And we can only know that indirectly
because it's open source. Within two or three years,
the MakerBot printer came out. The MakerBot basically borrowed a lot of
design elements from the Fab@Home and from the RepRap. They're all in the original machine,
which basically made history, and really democratized the technology. The big corporations in the area at
the time

and still are, are fairly open to this idea of these opened sourced printers
that sometimes infringe on their patents. Nevertheless they allow these
consumer scale printers to grow, understanding that that
consumer skill market eventually leads to growth
of the entire field. And I think that was a wise understanding,
and that sort of harmony actually works and
still exists to a large extent. [SOUND] A lot of people ask,
is 3D printing hype? Is it a fad that's going to go away or
is it here to stay as a real revolution? And I'm really a strong believer that
not only is it a big revolution, but we haven't seen most of it yet. We've only seen the tip of the iceberg. Part of it is this expansion in materials. Right now, most 3D printers print
in relatively passive materials. You have plastic,

some print in metal. Maybe ceramics. But these are sort of single materials,
they're fairly passive materials. But as the technology expands
to printing in active materials, materials that conduct electricity, materials that can sense, can move,
can compute, can store power. If you can print in a dozen base materials
simultaneously the combinations of those materials, you can use
to create objects in 3D, what we call metamaterials,
is far greater than just 12. It's a power of 12. That's just, in the exponential
nature of this technology. The design space, the things that we
can make expand so dramatically that anything we make today from these passive
materials will pale in comparison. And so that's why I think
that we really are just at the beginning of what is a long journey
in this

ability to create object with multiple materials with
active materials really. Moving from passive parts
to active systems and that's, I know the design
space is vast and unexplored. [SOUND] So
let me start by explaining voxels. A voxel is a like a pixel-
>> Pixels. >> But in 3D. So a pixel is a square. >> Yup.
>> In 2D, a voxel is a volumetric pixel. It's a sort of a lego brick if
you like that's very small so if you think about it everything
you're watching on a screen right now is made out of small pixels, but
it looks to you continuous and analogue but in fact its made out of
lots of discrete building blocks. So imagine a world where three
dimensional objects are not continuous objects made out of metal or
clay or plastic, but they're actually made out of lots and
lots of tiny voxels,

tiny LEGO bricks, if you like,
that are assembled using a 3D printer. So then the 3D printer, instead of
printing with continuous materials, which is what most 3D printers print
today, therefore they're analog, in my opinion,
digital 3D printer would actually print with pixels, with voxels,
with three dimensional building blocks. So it would have a lot of voxels in its
disposal, voxels of different types. They will look more like powders. The voxels are the size
of a grain of sand. And these voxels will be quickly
stapled together to create a three-dimensional object. So what are the advantages
of this approach? The first is that you can combine many,
many different functionalities. You can have hard voxels,
soft voxels, conductive voxels, long conductive transistor voxels. Web server

voxels. Whatever you need so you can have a huge
variety of basic building blocks from which you can make 3D,
3 dimensional objects. You can literally print a cell phone or
a laptop. But the other advantage is that
you can recycle things completely. You can take your laptop. Sort it back into voxels and
print it into something else. So I think in the long term, this of
course is not a way to make everything. I don't know if you'd
make a chair this way. But when you're talking about
things that involve electronic, we're moving from passive to
active systems I think inevitably we'll shift to printing with voxels rather
than printing with continuous materials. The term for this entire field
is called digital materials, a term coined by Neil Gershenfeld from
the Center of Bits and Atoms at

MIT. And that's in this way
of thinking about matter as composed of bits, voxels,
rather than continuous. A 3D printer that works with digital
materials, we call it a rapid assembler. It's really, you can think about
it more as an assembler because it staples together all
these building blocks. Actually, I have one of them here. This is a printer, a rapid assembler,
that Jonathan Hiller made a couple of years ago, and it assembles these
spheres into three dimensional objects. And you can see this is a very Low
resolution voxel assembler, if you like. There's only 10,000 voxel here. But in the future as these voxels become
smaller and the printers become faster, you can imagine an assemble that can
assemble millions of these units together. [SOUND] We've already
printed a loud speaker. >>

Really? >> A working loud speaker,
100% 3D printed. >> The whole thing. >> The whole thing. The coils, the wires, the holes,
the magnet, the whole thing and the shell, the membrane is
all 3D printed and it works. You know,
it's not a great loud speaker, but it is the first 100% 3D printed
consumer electronic device. And I think we'll see more and
more of that happening. And our dream, a milestone here
in our lab is to print a robot that will walk out of the printer,
batteries included. >> Is that something that would
happen in our lifetime, do you think? >> I keep thinking it's
going to happen next year, but it seems to be a little bit more
difficult than meets the eye. We've printed already all the components,
the muscles, the batteries, all the different things. But the trick is to print

it
all together in one shot, and that seems to be still beyond
the capability of any printer today. But I think you know, it's not
beyond the realm of what's possible. And again, when printers can do all that
together you know, all bets are off. [SOUND] I think we'll all
have a printer in our home. I should say I'm in
the minority in thinking this, most experts would argue that
you can order anything online, it will be printed on
industrial scale printer, and brought to you with a driverless pod,
24 hours later. But I think there's, that's true but
there's one type of printer that everybody would need in their home
because they'll need to use it right away. And that's a food printer. >> Food printer.
>> So food printing is one of
the things we're working on now. I think it's one of

these,
beyond plastic, metal, and ceramics there's bio-printing, which is
very interesting for biology and medicine. But food printing is this idea that
basically a printer assembles food for you and cooks it in line,
in a data driven way. So based on your biometrics,
on your needs, you can get the food that has
the right level of calcium, sugar, protein, vitamins, whatever you
need that day, in a data driven way. So again it's not a, it's not about
to replace your entire kitchen but I think it's something
that many people will want in their kitchen very much the same
way they have an espresso machine. [SOUND] So of course our book, Fabricated, talks about sort of the future of
the technology in a very high level. And when we wrote the book back in 2013, we tried to make sure that it
stays

relevant for a long time. We didn't talk so much about the specific
printers available at that time, but more about this long term
future which we've been discussing. But beyond that,
the resources change every minute and you just search for the latest and
greatest and you'll see it. There are books and resources on how
to use this printer and that printer. The online courses that help you train. There's a lot to learn about not
just how to use a printer but how to design for 3D printing. How to take advantage of 3D
printer in design thinking., I think that's a big thing to learn. And, of course, the ultimate thing
about new business models are enabled, and frankly, there's nowhere to
learn that but to experiment. [SOUND] So our labs can be
found at creativemachines.org, where we look at

machines that create and
machines that are created. >> Okay, great job. Thank you. >> Okay. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Hi. I'm standing here in front of
the Material Science building, here in the insuring quad of
the University of Illinois campus. We're here today to talk
to Professor Paul Braun. Paul's a professor of material science and
engineering here at the University of Illinois, and it's famous for being part
of the team that 3D printed a battery. Now this battery doesn't
look anything like this, but it performs a similar function. We're going to talk to Paul about
this battery, about 3D printing, and how this technology will
change our lives forever. Please join me. Hello Paul, thanks for
meeting with us today. >> My pleasure, thank you. >> Could you tell us a bit about yourself. >> I've been at the University of
Illinois since 1999 as a, on the faculty. Although, I actually was here

from
1993-1998 as a graduate student and before that was at Cornell. After finishing my PhD at Illinois, then
I went to Bell Labs for a year, which is really when my work transformed from
things that would say more fundamental chemistry to thinking a lot more about
the technological impact of materials. And then, obviously, came back here
a year after that, where I've been, since I joined as an assistant professor. [SOUND] So my home department is
material science and engineering, and then I have a in chemistry, and we do
some work in the Beckman Institute and the MRL and
a number of the other labs on campus. Everything is made of something, and so material science is what
can you make things out of? How can you improve
the properties of materials? It could be, how do I make stronger
glass

for say, a smartphone? How do I make faster computer chips,
more efficient light bulbs, better materials for
doing drug deliveries? You can really think about
materials science as the applied aspects of the chemistry and
physics. Where maybe we don't care as
much about the fundamentals, we still pay attention to them. But, how can we make these building
blocks that impact the world? [SOUND] 3D printing, the way that
we think about it, is very broad, in how can I three dimensionally
structure materials, in what we would call deterministic ways. And so, some of our work on batteries,
we start by doing electroplating. And so, we electroplate nickel. So, a very simple metal. These are easy to electroplate. But we electroplate that using
a very complicated polymer, that when we expose the

light
generates some 3D super. Structure. It's akin to a lost-wax process. But then some people will directly print
much more complicated materials to start with, and so using print heads that can
extrude out materials that can withstand very high temperatures, or
that may cause cells to grow in certain ways if you want the three dimensionally
print scaffold for a human organ. [SOUND] We've been really excited by
this idea of 3D printing of a battery, and we realized if you zoom in
on the inside of a battery, really what you have is,
you have three important things. You have something that
can carry the electrons, because batteries have
to have electricity. You have something that can hold
onto the energy storage material, so somehow a battery stores
energy through chemistry. So that's in

a material. And typically today, it uses lithium ions. So I have to have some way to
move these lithium ions around. And so what you need is, you need a three
dimensional structure that can conduct electricity, hold onto the active
energy storage material, and provide a really good way to move the ions between
the plus and minus sides of the electrode. And so
conventionally when people make a battery, they do it by casting and
they get a random assortment of materials. And sometimes you have good networks and
sometimes don't, and so the performance varies. But instead, if you could really build it
much the way you think of a city where you have super highways and local roads and
places for the buildings. And so, you'd define the architecture
to give you really efficient eye on transport,

really efficient electron
transport and put the energy storage stuff just where you want it,
you can go into new performance metrics. Maybe really high power or
better energy, fast charging. So we started doing this in large form
batteries and this is something we've taken really far and now we have a start
up company working on that, but then, we said, wouldn't it be really interesting
if you could make small batteries that you could print and maybe put them
directly on a silicon a computer chip. And so, we had to think about
new paradigms in materials, because normal battery materials
use high temperatures. Grow some processes that aren't
compatible with computer chips. So we realized, we needed a way to
be able to 3D print the positive and negative terminals directly
onto some

substrate. We were able to do this
using optical patterning. So taking this light sensitive polymer. Exposing it with light. When you expose it
multiple beams of light, the way that the light interacts,
creates a 3D pattern in the polymer. We then dissolve a way the polymer of that
hasn't reacted with the light, and so that leave behind what
looks to be like a sponge. We take that sponge and
then we do electroplating, the same way people use to
put chrome on a bumper. We put it in solution and
we fill all the pores with metal, so this is where the electrons can go. Then we remove the polymer,
which was the house initially. And now,
we do a second electroplating process, and a third electroplating process. One grows the positive
side of the battery, one grows the minus side of the battery.

And you end up then with fingers
of positive and negative, if you look down on the battery like this. So now they're really close together, which means you can move
the electrons fast. They have lots of pores which
helps you move the electrons, but they're all connected with metal. So using that, we were able to make a battery which
was only a few millimeters on the side. So something like a tenth
of an inch on the side. And about five times
thinner than a human hair. And this battery could generate enough
power to light up an LED and flash an LED. [SOUND] This is not going to replace say,
a laptop battery. Where we think is that,
if we can move power down to the chip, now you could have a really small chip. Maybe a little bigger
than a grain of rice, and then that would have its own

battery
built, right in with that chip. Which means, if you took that grain
of rice sized object, and you say, sprinkled it around and
each one had a little radio transmitter or a little blinking light on it,
you could power those wherever they are, without attaching any wires
off to the outside world. You're not going to have a lot of power,
this is batteries. Power is proportional to volume, so you
want a lot of power you get a big battery. You're not going to drive a car
on a tiny little battery. But if you make a battery small,
and you still want a lot of power, you need this 3D structure, so
you can move ions and electrons quickly. And so, that gives you the ability
to pulse out, and send information. So you could have this just sitting
all around and then, once a day, it would send

just a little burst of
information that is only possible, because that micro battery's
sitting right by the computer chip. [SOUND] We'll take the applications
really in two space. One is the idea of
three-dimensionally structuring or 3D printing of the internal
components of a battery. You know, we see that applying at sort
of all [INAUDIBLE] scale, so even for sale a large car battery,
if you can control the internal structure, that may give you the ability to
charge the car in say 5 minutes, because now you provide really fast
ways that the ions can move and the electrons can move and
you can put power in to that. And the other regime is when
the batteries get very small. And here, we can really push
the performance metrics to the absolute, because we then control every detail
of the

three-dimensional structure. And the applications in that space
are things like, small pills that you might swallow, that have enough power
to be able to transmit a radio signal. Out, or potentially deliver energy
in the body, to do some therapeutic. And, you can make that
a much smaller device, because the battery can still give
you a lot of power when it's small. There's the idea of basically,
the sensors everywhere, so instead of walking around a building and saying, I'll
pick the five places I want to sensor, I make them so small that
they're basically just the dust. And so
you can sprinkle them where you'd like and they can transmit until the battery dies,
and if they're small and environmentally friendly, you can sweep
them up, and maybe they just rust and disappear, so they turn

right back into
the iron that's mined out of the earth. Those are just a list of
possible applications. [SOUND] I think you really will be able
to think about changing the design space of products, where today,
if you have a battery-powered product, you generally have to size
it to fit the battery. The microelectronics have
really been miniaturized but the batteries haven't been
equivalently miniaturized. So now,
instead of the device overall function and shape being limited by
the size of the battery. Now, the battery scales
with the electronics. We think if you're going to build
miniaturized electronic devices, the best place to put the power,
is to put it right on the chip. [SOUND] If I think about
the work in Batteries and other, like why would you want to print this? First of all,

there's, of course,
the customization aspect. When you make one cell phone for
the masses, you have to limit function in exchange for
mass production. Can we give ourselves this diversity of
customization and retain the function. Because I don't think anyone's going to
a really kludgy cell phone which is four times bigger, just so
it has an extra axes of an accelerometer. But maybe they would be very interested if
the cell phone was designed to be certain shape that fit on their body or
in their clothes in a certain way. And that's not what the next person has,
so I think it's customization for function will be the,
where we can really get legs. Customization for aesthetics is fun,
but maybe not give us the legs we need. To find out more about what we're doing, a great place to start

is
just my department webpage. So at University of Illinois, the Material Science department
has a webpage that lists faculty. I give a number of talks that
are sometimes more public interest oriented and
some of these can be found on the web. Then I also have a startup company
working on batteries named Xerion, and they have a webpage that talks about
some of that technology evolution. For detailed inquiries,
people often reach out directly. [SOUND] What I really
enjoyed is that this field is one that nobody is an expert. That it's a new area, it's a growing area. People have made contributions
coming in from everything, from really hardcore physics
through the chemistry through design and engineering. And I think it's really the diversity and the open-endedness of the field that
allows

really the human imagination to sort of run wild, and
then reduce it to a tangible object. And that's different than most areas of
engineering, where you go to a catalog and you can pick out this gear and
this gear and that. And if they don't fit,
you are out of luck. I think it really opens up
the human imagination and how we can make the things the world uses. >> Thank you so much. >> Hey, thank you.
>> You did a great job. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Hi, we're in the Chelsea section of
New York City, in downtown Manhattan. And I'm standing in an incredible
new store called normal. And what is Normal? Well, this is Normal. You see behind me,
this is Normal's current product line. They use 3D printed technology
to make custom made earbuds. Made just for your individual ear. So we're going to be talking with
Nikki Kaufman, Nikki is the founder and CEO of Normal. Talk about 3D printing, talk about Normal,
how it got started, and actually do a demonstration
in which a normal play will hopefully scan my ear and work on
making me some custom-made earbuds. So come on back. Let's talk to Nikki. Hi, Nikki. >> Hi, how are you? >> Good.
Thanks for meeting with us today. >> Thank you for having me here. >> Can we begin by having you
tell us

your 3D printing story? >> I've been an athlete all my life and
I've never had earphones that fit. It's a normal problem that
many of us experience, and I was a founding team member at
the consumer products company, Quirky, where I was exposed to manufacturing and
production and 3D printing. And during my time there,
I got to thinking, can we solve this issue of ill fitting
earphones in an accessible way? Because the process before Normal,
actually you could get custom earphones, but the way you would have to do it was
a very cumbersome, inaccessible process. But I got to thinking, can we do this
in a more scalable way via 3D printing? And I started prototyping it in my
apartment at the time, on a maker bot, and realized very quickly that I
could go from just a photo to a customer fitting

product. And that is when I launched Normal. [SOUND] 3D printing allows us to make
a custom fitting product very quickly and very accessibly for
both the consumer and the business. In other words, we can make Normals in
under three hours at a price point, again, that makes sense for the consumer. They're $199. It's a premium product. But also something where it makes
sense for us as a scalable business. In fact,
it really is true mass customization. [SOUND] Mass customization actually has
been around for quite some time, but it's traditionally very slow,
expensive and near impossible to scale. So we're super proud of creating
mass customization at scale in an accessible way. So we are actually the only company that's mass producing a consumer
good via 3D printing. You can actually order

Normals from
anywhere in the world, anywhere, by downloading the mobile app, or you can come here to our factory, that's
also our store, and also our headquarters. But no matter where in the world you
place your order we make it here, and again we can make them
in under three hours. [SOUND] You download the mobile app and
it prompts you to grab a quarter or any coin because all we need is
a reference object for scale. So you hold the coin here,
you put your phone in front of you, and it talks you through taking
a couple of ear selfies. So you tilt your head and the camera
takes a few photos of your ear, and then you get to customize your Normals. So you choose one of seven different
colors for the 3D printed part, as well as one of two colors for
the custom carrying case. In fact, it's not

just the head phones
that are customized for you but the cases, as well. So we laser etch your name or
your nickname onto the case and then it actually pops up for
easy cable management. And we laser cut the negative
of your Normals. So only your normals will fit
in your ears or in your case. Basically you submit your order
through the app or in our store. It pings our backend, and we basically
do a little manipulation of that photo to turn it into the 3D
file that then gets printed. So it takes a couple of minutes. It's mostly automated. There's a little bit of
engineering work on our end. It gets sent to one of the printers,
depending on where in the world it's going, when the customer needs it by,
what color it is. We built this whole backend factory
that dispatches it appropriately. It

gets printed,
which takes about an hour. And then, after it's printed,
there's a little bit of post-processing. We clean it. So we remove the support material. We sand it down, and what I mean by that
is we actually sand down the B-side, the part that goes in your ear. But we leave the stepping from 3D print on the A-side because we like to
celebrate the fact that it's 3D printed. But the part that touches you,
we want to be super, super smooth. So after we sand it down,
we give it a coat of soft touch paint. So it doesn't change the color, but
it just makes it soft to the touch. That dries. We audio test it, we put it in its
carrying case, and put it in this box and then we ship it out to you. So that whole thing end to end
again the hour for 3D printing and then about two hours or
just

there under for some post processing. [SOUND] So right now the printers
that line the perimeter of our store are Stratasys machines,
it's the Fortus 250 we have 10 of them. The reason why we print in
the Fortus 250 is a few things. Number one, they print in AVS which we
know how plastic interacts with the skin. A lot of earphones are actually AVS. And they print at factory quality,
premium quality scale. They're super easy to operate. You don't see failures,
they'll run overnight. They literally, with the price
of a it's super, super simple. And again, when you're running a product
that's using 3D printing at scale, these are absolutely
the right printers for us. My hope really that someone soon
could come into this store and for one is, it's 3D printed and
then theres no post processing.

So you could do it in an hour. Or it's 3D printed and takes 10 minutes
and then they walk out the door with it. So we're not there yet but I hope to be. [SOUND] I like to describe
Normal as a consumer brand. A lot of people mention the word
Omnichannel when they talk about what we do because there is a physical component,
there's also a mobile commerce component. The part that I think is
super interesting and compelling is the fact that
you can do the whole thing. End to end, one to one right here. because I think part of
what makes Normal so powerful is that it's all in one location. And that was really important for
me when we were launching Normal, to do everything all at once. I hope there's lots of other people
working on 3D printing of consumer goods. I can tell you that at

Normal,
we are working on other things. We believe Normal to be a platform for
customization. Customers and consumers, we want
things that are built for us and for our bodies, and there's a lot of areas of the body that we could imagine
could benefit from a custom fit. When we launched Normal,
we called it Normal. And we don't mention
headphones in the title. We're leaving it open to
further product development. [SOUND] I cannot share what's next. Though I can tell you that
we just launched today, two limited edition holiday partnerships. One with Rebecca Menkoff where we're
making, actually, rose gold normals. And the way that works is that we 3D print
in castable resin rather than the ABS and then we cast that out in
actually 14 carat rose gold. And we're launching
another limited

edition version of Normals with Nike that's
a custom color way for their Runner. [SOUND] I think they'll
definitely be different machines. I hope again that it's a point where
you can walk into a factory and walk out with a product. I hope that's far sooner than five years. In the last six months, I've realized something quite
interesting about the product. I don't think that people necessarily
buy it because it's 3D printed. I think people buy Normals because
they're the best-fitting and best-sounding headphones. So it's very cool and
it's very cool technology and it's fascinating to be able to educate. But at least right now, and it might be
because not many people are using it for mass, I don't know that it
hasn't gotten there yet. Like a lot of consumers they
don't even know what that

means. So it's a bit interesting, I think. I hope that there's more brands
that are using 3D printing so that that does become a very
important conversation. [SOUND] It's a super
important piece of the story. When you walk in here the fact
is that 30% of the people buy. And that's really, really high,
given that we sell one item. And I do truly believe
it's because we show them. We show them the process. We show them, we let them in. They understand it. A large majority of the folks that have
walked in here have never seen a 3D printer before. We do a lot of events at night,
both to get in athletes and do 3D printing meetups and everything, retail everything to get folks into
the space, to get them expose what we do. [SOUND] So our website is nrml.com. So it's normal without the vowels.

You can follow us on social
media we're @normalears. And then, again, you can download
the apps in the iTunes store or the Google Play Store. Just search for normal and
it will pop right up, and lastly, if you're ever in Manhattan,
please come visit us in Chelsea. It's 22nd Street between 6th and 7th and we'd love to have you at our factory and
store. [SOUND] Keep making and stay in touch. I'm happy to be a resource to all of you. You can contact me directly,
nicki@nrml.com, and thanks for including me in your course. >> Thank you for your time. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] We're here in Brooklyn, New York to visit a brand new
company called Voodoo Manufacturing. Don't worry, we're not in any danger. This is good voodoo, not bad voodoo. In essence, this company is a new
startup that has a whole series, over 100 desktop 3D printers,
that they use to help both companies and individuals turn their ideas into objects. We'll be meeting with
the co-founder Max Friefeld. Let's go see if we can find Max. Hi, Max. >> Hi, Eric. >> Thanks for meeting with us today. >> No problem. Tell us a bit about how you began
in this 3D printing domain? What's your 3D printing story? >> The first time I used a 3D printer
was in high school, actually, and that's around the time I figured
out I wanted to be an engineer. And so I was taking an elective
course with a high school

teacher whose name was Mr. Carpenter. And he was an engineer
at Northrop Grumman, which was near where I
went to high school. So we had a 3D printer, and
I was printing brackets for robots that we were making
as a part of this class. The 3D printer we had was
a Stratasys Dimension. So it's like a $25,000 machine. And at that time, 3D printing was
just this magical, unaccessible, engineer's technology. Little did I know at the time,
but just a few years after that, MakerBot was going to come out
with their first 3D printer. Voodoo Manufacturing, we've been
around for about six months now. I met two of my cofounders
when I was in college. And then we started a 3D
printing software company that we ended up selling to MakerBot. After MakerBot bought our first company,
which was called Layer by

Layer, we worked there for about 12 months. And during that time, I was put in
charge of a piece of software called the innovation center management platform. It's like a manufacturing,
like, process management tool. When you have one printer on your desk, it's really easy to plug it into your
computer or run it off an SD card. But the minute you start getting to 10,
20, 30 printers in a room, managing what they're all doing and who's print is on
which printer is actually very difficult. And so we built a piece of
software to help with that. All the printers are connected over USB,
and they're networked. It goes into one cloud-based basically web
site where you can view all the printer statuses, start prints, move jobs between
printers, and track all the statistics. So we built that

software
while we were at MakerBot, and that's how we kind of got
introduced to this idea of lots of 3D printers in a room
used as a manufacturing center. In May of this year, we spun out
Voodoo Manufacturing from MakerBot. We have a partnership with MakerBot. We bought 127 Replicator 2s,
Replicators, and Z18s, and
built this factory here in Brooklyn. There's a world record for the largest number of printers in
a room at any given point in time. But this is the largest
factory of 3D printers. What we find ourselves constantly focusing
on is how to remove the startup costs that go into manufacturing. When you start an injection mold,
you have to get a mold made. You have to pay for all this
changeover time as they remove and replace plates in a giant molding machine. There are no economies

of scale. On the reverse side of that,
there's no $2,000 startup cost. The first one costs as much
as the 1,000th one to make. Once you get to a high enough volume,
everything should be cheaper. That's a great notion when you're
supplying hundreds of thousands of parts to customers and clients. But when you’re trying to get off
the ground and you just have a prototype, it’s very prohibitive, because you can't
get started without these huge costs. We're calling it bridging the gap. We're trying to bridge the gap between
a prototype and mass production. Mass production being whatever it is for
your product. 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 100,000. It takes a lot to get to
that 100,000 number, and we want to make that as easy as possible. We have a few different types of clients,
I'll maybe pair down

two categories. The first one is like an advertising,
marketing type customer. They'll come to us with an idea for
a new marketing campaign. And the campaign hinges on
this one physical product. Maybe let's just say it's
like a big golden trophy, and it's totally custom, and
they want it to have their brand on it. How do you get this made? They have no idea. So they reach out to us. We work with them and then we essentially
design and build this trophy from scratch. And we'll have it gold plated and
everything for them. And it's more cost effective than any
other option that they would have had. There's no other way for them to
get that thing made except with us. The other type of customer that we
work with is like a hardware startup. Just image the average Kickstarter
company making a new

hardware product. We work with a company called
BotFactory for example. And BotFactory makes
a digital circuit printer. On your desk, just like a 3D printer,
you can print circuits and connect your integrated circuits to your
resisters to your capacitors to your LEDs. Right there, each of one of these circuit
printers has ten brackets that we print. So they're printing 30,
40 of these printers a month, and it just doesn't make sense to go for
injection molding yet. I think without a question, 3D printing is
going to enable anyone to basically make things that they couldn't make before. So the democratization of
manufacturing is here to stay. Whether or not manufacturing is going to
be something that's really distributed to be totally localized I think has yet
to be seen. I think of it more

like
the United States versus China, really. It's more of like a country level scale. The advantage of the service that
we provide is that it's fast. And that's something that you can't
overcome when you're developing with somebody who is a week away
on a boat or something like that. So that's going to keep it localized,
I guess, is the speed and the importance of that speed when
you're developing a new product. Our clients, often,
they've heard of 3D printing and they found our name because of that and
then they reach out, really they're looking to us
to tell them what's possible. And we have this amazing
stable of designers that all actually worked at MakerBot
in a former career. And they will sculpt any
design out of nothing. I mean, they're artists, actually. We usually give, once we

get started,
it's about a week for design including all the iterations. And then we can do up to 10,000 parts for
a project in two weeks. We try to keep everything
in less than a month. With 127 printers, each printer
can make however many parts a day, getting you to 10,000
actually isn't that hard. >> And
this could be a profitable business? >> Absolutely.
We've been profitable for the past three months. When I think about that, I try to imagine in 2010 what I
would have said about 3D printing. I think a lot of the energy that
went into the home 3D printing revolution I would say starting in
the late 2000s has transitioned into something closer to
what we're doing today. If you look at a company like MakerBot or
Ultimaker, they're really focused on education, they're focused on

engineers,
and trained people. It still takes a lot of
work to use a 3D printer. It's not click of a button,
make me some tennis shoes. The biggest, most important
applications of 3D printing today, and what I see on the horizon
are all about using 3D printing to solve a manufacturing problem that
just, like, wasn't solvable before. So if you look at Boeing, they're making
end-use parts that they're putting on airplanes, and
they're printed out of titanium. And this is a very expensive process,
but because they're lighter, more efficient brackets and parts, it pays
for itself over the lifetime of a plane. So that is just straight up economic reasoning behind using 3D printing
instead of traditional manufacturing. For us, the same thing applies
to low-volume manufacturing. We make plastic

parts, something
that would be injection molded, but you don't have the volumes to
justify those upfront costs. By the time it makes it into everyone's
daily routine, the technology's going to be so different that I can even imagine it
functioning somewhere in your life, but you're not really using it that way. It's just like your microwave. You don't care how the microwave works. It just heats up your food. A 3D printer, maybe it makes a product
that you'd otherwise buy, or maybe it makes a piece for
something that repairs itself and automatically gets put in place. I don't think, people don't buy things
enough like can be 3D printed today for you to buy a 3D printer. I think we're maybe like 50 years out from
the day when the average thing I buy can be 3D printed. When we started, we had

a metric
ton of filament for MakerBot. That's what we started with. We've been slowly working
our way through it. But we print about 500
spools a month of plastic. >> And this is PLA? >> PLA, yeah. We have 30 plus colors
in stock at all times. So we have about 100 3D printers in here. And right now we're just finishing
up a bunch of prints for e-NABLE, which is a foundation started out
of Rochester that prints functional prosthetic hands for children born missing
fingers, missing parts of their hands. It's a great foundation. We're donating 150 hands for
Autodesk University in early December. >> Wow, that's great. >> Yeah, so these are 100 limited
edition statutes of Blue, the velociraptor from Jurassic World. Just released on DVD in October. it came out over the summer. And they gave

these to the top 100
super fans for Jurassic World, and then forbade us for making any more. So. I mean, when I started, I just started
following all the 3D printing blogs and I still read the exact
same ones every day. 3Ders.org is a pretty basic one. 3D printing industry is another great one. You'll see three or four stories every day
that give you a link to a company that's doing something interesting
built on 3D printing. And you just quickly learn how
much is going on all the time, how fast everything is moving. It's just incredible, that's the best
way to find out what's going on. For us at Voodoo Manufacturing,
we're all makers, I guess, and we're really interested in working
with and learning from other makers. And If you are interested
in what we're doing or you have ideas or

questions, I really
just want you to reach out and say hi. All of our customers start
with a phone call and we just love talking about 3D printing. >> And where can our learners
go to contact you and find out more about
Voodoo Manufacturing in particular? >> Just go to voodoomfg.com, and
you can find everything there. >> Okay. Well, thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Eric. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] This concludes our course on
the 3D printing revolution. I hope that you learned some new concepts,
acquired some new tools, and heard some new stories. More importantly, I hope that this course enhanced your
understanding of how 3D printing works. And why this technology
revolutionized our economy. To wrap up, here are four key
lessons from this course. First, 3D printing is a new
low cost desktop technology that can be used by nearly anyone. Second, this technology allows us to
between the physical and the digital. It makes it easy to remix and
customize physical products. Fourth and finally by changing both the
roles of consumers the nature of objects, 3D

printing will
revolutionize our economy. And change the way we live. There are many courses
in our specialization. We'll explore the 3D printing
ecosystem in more detail. The next course,
3D printing applications will examine how 3D printing is being used by large firms,
entrepreneurs and individuals to turn their ideas into objects and
to do things they couldn't do before. Thank you for
being part of our course community. I hope you enjoy the rest
of our specialization. [MUSIC]

At Gies College of Business,
one of our strategic priorities is to democratize education,
we do that by delivering our IMBA, IMSA executive education and
business minor online. That is not business as usual and it's
certainly not the online education of old, we put our very best faculty
in the online space. They actively engage with students from
around the world face to face in a digital classroom, faculty and students collaborating together infuse
these programs with the personal attention that enable students to
reach their full potential. >> The IMBA program through the Gies
College of Business is so incredibly innovative, the ability and accessibility
to reach a whole new audience of students. And let them learn on their own
time has been phenomenal and being able to collaborate

with
people across the globe and to learn from top notch professors
has been completely revolutionary. >> When you're interacting and teaching
in a live session, you can kind of see the students environment and while I'm
teaching here at night and Champagne, it's day time, wherever they
are in the world, some of them. And so it's sort of slapped you in the
face immediately that there's a completely different perspective. >> You might think, it's more removed, its
more distant but in fact, my experience in an online class has actually been
surprisingly intimate and connected. In a classroom setting you might have 50,
60 or more students in a room at one time. And so I'm scanning around,
looking at at people, but in an online, I'm looking at one place and
the students looking right back at

me and that's surprisingly a direct experience. >> I was shocked at how
much it felt as good or better than when I was sitting in
class in my undergraduate days. Everyone has their cameras on, on their
computers, there's a chat feature so you can also type in a question and the professor can answer
your question that way. >> I think the cool thing is that you
can truly participate from whatever you are the system work on your desktop,
on your cell phone. >> We were traveling in the middle
of nowhere, back from Indiana and on the Wi-Fi, still on my iPad,
I was able to connect through Zoom with classmates in Dubai and Tokyo and
California all at the same time. Even being in a remote place on the go,
the accessibility and the exposure that I was
able to get was phenomenal. Getting my NBA

makes me feel
empowered because I don't need to, stop being myself. I don't need to stop working,
I don't need stop being a mother, I don't need to stop having my life and
that is everything. >> Our online programs are designed to
be career curated learning experiences. Our leading edge course
material is structured the way that professionals apply
these concepts every day. Leadership, communication and critical thinking skills are built into
the core empowering our students to put their purpose into practice
at the highest level. >> One of the most impactful
things is just your ability to take the skills that we deliver and
take them back to work on Monday. I've heard a couple of stories where
students have talked about the skills that they were able to build over a couple
of weeks and

then they were able to immediately bring that skill set back into
their job and make an immediate impact. I would recommend Gies,
IMBA program for anyone, this is both, If you're starting questioning your
career to, if you're a professional and you want to hone your skill,
this is it, this is the place to be. >> At Gies College of Business we are
truly revolutionizing how online education is delivered, this isn't just a few PowerPoint
slides and a reading assignment. Our faculty and students thrive in this
one of a kind global classroom, relevant, timely discussions about current
topics from around the world. Keep content fresh and exciting, the next
generation of business leaders will come from all corners of the world and
now they converge here at Gies Business. [MUSIC]

[SOUND] The University of Illinois
was formed about 150 years ago with a land grant mission
to democratize education. The iMBA is a testament to that mission. We are about access to education. We are looking for talented people
around the world across a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and
demographic characteristics to constitute our classes because we believe
the heterogenite background heterogenite talented people will be fantastic for
the IMBA. Not only in terms of our visibility but also in terms of enhancing
experiences of our students. And so what we have is we
are providing the opportunity to people around the world,
talented people around the world, to complete a high quality MBA
education for about $20,000. So if you are talented, and
if you're eager to grow, then we want you

[MUSIC] Now let's take a look at
where designs come from. Regardless of the specific process or type of materials all 3D printers
start with a digital design and this digital design forms the base for
the object to be printed. These designs could be obtained in three
different ways, the first way is modeling. Most 3D designs are made using a 3D
modeling software such as Tinkercad, Google SketchUp or Autodesk Fusion. Although these programs
are getting easier all the time, if you haven't used them before
there's a bit of a learning curve. Tinkercad is the most
accessible program and its basic functions can be
learned in about an hour or less. In fact, we use Tinkercad in our lab
to train kids as young as ten years old how to create 3D printable designs. So if they can do it,
you can do it

as well. The 3D software portion of our
specialization will guide you through both Tinkercad as well as a more advanced
modelling software called Fusion 360. This class will be taught by
Jeff Smith who works for Autodesk so again this training directly
from the firm that markets and owns both of these two software programs. The Illinois I that I have here in front
of me is a good example of something that will be created using
a digital modeling program. The second way in which you can get
3D designs is through scanning. So we say that 3D printing allows
you to turn your ideas into objects, well scanning allows you to
turn your objects into ideas. So, what a 3D scanner allows you
to do is to make a 3D photocopy of a person or an object. These 3D scanners have been around for
awhile but

until recently they were quite expensive, today you can buy
3D scanners for $500 or less. Let me show you an example,
this is a 3D scanner called the Structure Sensor and
it's mounted on an iPad, and the scanner itself is about $500 US. And simply you just scan using your iPad,
it's really quite easy. In addition to buying a 3D scanner
you can also download for free, or for very low cost,
an app on your smartphone. For example, Autodesk has a program for free called 123D Catch,
it's an app you can download and it takes a series of photographs
in which you can scan an object. Let me show you an example,
this object here is a scan that was made of the head of Mars
using a smartphone app. And this is a statue, a replica of
a statue that sits in the Art Institute in Chicago, as you can see

this
scan is quite detailed. We'll explore scanning in more detail
during our 3D printing software class. The third way in which you can get a 3D
design if you don't own a scanner or if you don't know a 3D modeling
program is simply download the design. Today there are a number of websites
which you can go in and find 3D designs such as GrabCAD, Youmagine,
or my favorite, Thingiverse. These design files are usually free or
very low cost, for example, thingiverse contains hundreds of thousands
of digital designs all of which are free, thus if you can download a file,
you can create 3D printed objects. For example, this model of
the Eifel Tower is a great example of the types of designs you can
find free on Thingiverse. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Now let's talk about where
you can find a 3D printer. Hopefully, by now you're intrigued enough
to want to try 3D printing for yourself. That's great, the only problem is that to
try, you'll need access to a 3D printer. Fortunately you have a number
of different options. First of all, you could buy a 3D printer. Although there are a variety different
printers that you could purchase, we recommend that you
start with FDM printer. This is the safest and least expensive
form of 3D printing hardware. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend
taking a look at the Printrbot. That's printrbot.com and
printrbot has a number of printers you can purchase for
as low as $300. If you have a bit more money to spend,
we recommend the Ultimaker printer, which we use in our lab. And this typically

retails for
about $2500 US. However, since Ultimaker is a partner
in specialization, certified learners will be able to purchase this
printer at a discounted price. There's also a wide ranfe of options
between the Printrbot and the Ultimaker. Our additional resource page
includes links to several good 3D printer reviews to aid
you in your purchase decision. Now if you're not quite ready to buy
your own 3D printer, that's okay, there's still a variety of ways you can
try out this technology for yourself. If you're connecting with the university,
you should check to see if your school has a 3D printing lab, many of them
do, and let me give you a few examples. In the US the University of Arizona,
the University of Tennessee, the University of Utah have all set up
3D printing labs quite

recently, and students, faculty and
staff can use them at a very low cost. If you're not connected
with the university, you can perhaps find a 3-D printer
at your local public library. For example, the Harold Washington Library in downtown
Chicago has a great maker's space filled with several 3-D printers that anyone
can try just by having a library card. In addition to libraries, hacker spaces
are a great place to find 3-D printers, and also learn more about
the growing maker movement. There are thousands of hacker
spaces around the world, you could easily find one near
you by browsing hackerspaces.org, in fact Maker Bot grew out of a hacker
space in Brooklyn known as NYC resistor. Other great examples of hacker spaces
include the Electro Lab in Renece France. Makers in Mumbai India and

my favorite,
Sector 67 in Madison Wisconsin. Although hacker spaces typically
charge members a monthly fee, most are happy to give you
a free tour of their facilities. Now if you don't have a university,
library or a hacker space with a printer close to you, don't worry,
you still have a few options. You might be able to find somebody
who owns a 3D printer and is living close by,
by browsing the website 3Dhubs.com. If this doesn't work, you can access a 3D printer remotely
using a variety of 3D printing providers. They're located on the web, including
3Dhubs Voodoo manufacturing and shapeways, we have information and links to all these
providers as well as some offers for discounted printing through them
on our additional resources page. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Hi, in this video my goal is to
provide an overview of 3D printing. In particular, we'll examine how 3D
printing began, how printers work, the things they make,
where these things come from, and the type of materials
that they're made from. We"ll also discuss how you can get
access to a 3D printer for yourself. You may be surprised to learn that 3D
printers have existed for about 30 years. The first 3D printer was created by
a fellow named Chuck Hall back in 1986. Chuck came up with the idea for 3D
printing while using a ultraviolet light to harden paint that he was
putting on a coffee table. Using this experience as inspiration,
Chuck went on to invent a process for making 3D printed objects using
a focused beam of ultraviolet light to harden thin levels of a resin
in a successive

manner. He called this process stereo lithography,
and it's still a main 3D
printing technology today. Chuck also invented a number of other
important aspects of the 3D printing process, including the STL file,
which is the dominant file format for nearly all 3D printed designs. We'll talk more about STLs
a bit later in this course. He also founded one of the world's
leading 3D printing companies, a company called 3D Systems. And since the mid-1980s, a number of
other 3D printing technologies have been developed and a variety of new
firms have entered the marketplace. The basic technology is not new. However, until recently, 3D printers
were very large and quite expensive. These printers were typically the size of
a refrigerator and cost $100,000 or more. Thus, these machines were mainly

used
by large firms for creating prototypes. Then something happened a few years ago. The patents for several types of 3D
printing technologies began to expire. As a result, a number of new firms, mostly small startups,
began to enter the 3D printing market. The most notable new entrant was a company
called MakerBot, which was founded in Brooklyn in 2009 and was the first firm
to sell an affordable desktop printer. In fact,
I have one right here in front of me. This is MakerBot's first machine, called
the Cupcake, this was their first model. My son and I built this machine back
in 2010, and it still works and really formed the foundation for
the democratization of 3D printing. Since 2009, a number of new firms
have entered the desktop 3D printer market including Formlabs,
Printrbot, and

Ultimaker. And you'll be learning a lot more about
Ultimaker during the course of this specialization. As a result of these new entrance, the size of a 3D printer has shrunk
from a refrigerator to a microwave. And the price has fallen from
$100,000 to $2,000 or even less. As a result, the number of 3D
printers is quickly expanding, and this tool is rapidly
becoming democratized. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Now that we've discussed
the history of desktop 3D printing, let's examine how these printers work. The most existing manufacturing
technologies, such as CNC machining, create objects by starting with
a large block of material and using a tool to cut pieces away until
you're left with the object that you want. In contrast, 3D printing is
an additive manufacturing process. Instead of subtracting away from
an existing piece of material, 3D printing starts with a blank slate and
then adds materials to it. This additive process is
driven by a microcontroller, which guides a set of motors that moves
a print head in three dimensions. The movement of this print head is guided
by a digital design file which is read by the printer's motherboard. As the print head moves, it softens or

hardens material in an additive manner
from either the bottom up or the top down. Although all 3D printers imply
additive process are actually several different types of 3D
printing technologies. The additional resources page will
describe these various technologies in more detail. So, I'll just focus on the three types
of 3D printing that are currently or will soon be affordable for
the desktop user. The first is the process known as SLA or
Stereo Lithography. Now this was the first 3D printing
technology, and SLA creates objects by using a beam of high intensity light,
such as a laser, to harden a soft resin. Let me give you a demonstration. So I have this laser pointer,
and to simulate resin, I have a container filled with dish soap. So essentially,
the SLA technology works by shining

this laser on the resin in a successive
manner until an object is built. SLA creates small objects that
have really high resolution that prints as low as
25 microns per layer. However, these objects
are not very strong. So SLA's a good technology for
making jewelry or small display objects
such as chess pieces. A good example of a desktop SLA
printer that's currently available is the Formlabs printer
which cost around $3,000. The second technology is a technology
known us SLS, Selective Laser Sintering. Now this technology has
some similarities to SLA, both use a high intensity of light. However, instead of hardening a resin, SLS printer uses light to
center a powdered material. Let me demonstrate. So again, I have our laser pointer,
and instead of having resin, we have a container filled

with,
in this case, powdered sugar. We imagine this could be anything,
powdered metal, for example. And using the laser, which we'll move
over the powdered material left and right, up and down, and then a print
bed will move it or move it down. You'll have a 3D printed object. SLS printers create objects that
have both extremely high resolution, as low as 10 microns per layer,
but are also very strong. These printers are capable of also making
objects from a wide array of materials, including metals. So SLS is a good technology for creating precision objects that need to be
strong and durable such as airplane parts. At this point, there are really
no true desktop SLS printers, the closest thing is the blueprinter. This printer employs SLS for plastics,
but won't currently print metals. The

blueprinter costs about $30,000. It's a bit higher than most desktop
printers, so it's not quite home ready. However, many experts believe
that a lower cost version of an SLS printer is
only a few years away. The third and final example is FDM,
Fused Deposition Modeling. FDM is, by far, the most common
form of desktop 3D printing today. Now FDM, which is what the Ultimaker is,
creates objects by melting filament and extruding it through a small nozzle
that moves in three dimensions. Let me demonstrate with
this spool of twine. So imagine this is the filament,
this twine and the printer is melting it and
layering it in a successive manner. FDM printers are capable of making
moderately-sized plastic objects that have good but not great resolution. Typically, these printers print about
as low

as 100 microns per layer. That's about it. So at this time,
this is a good technology for making objects that have to be fairly
strong but don't have to look perfect, such as replacement knobs for an old
appliance or homemade toys, for example. The Ultimaker is a good example of
a portable desktop printer which costs, again, about $2,500. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Now, let's take a look at the materials
that are used to create 3D printed objects. Although there are many different
types of 3D technologies, nearly all 3D printers
work in one of two ways. They either take a soft material and
make it hard, or take a hard material and make it soft. Thus, just about any material that can be
hardened or softened can be 3D printed, including plastic, metal,
carbon fiber and even chocolate. At present, the vast majority of desktop
3D printers are FDM machines such as the Ultimaker, that create objects
by softening a strand of thermoplastic. There are currently two major types
of thermoplastics, ABS and PLA. ABS stands for
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or something like that, and
is made from petroleum. The second type of thermoplastic is
PLA which

stands for polylactic acid. This is made from corn. Both ABS and PLA are very strong and
share a number of properties. For example, they have the same melting
point, come in a variety of colors, and both are used by large manufacturers
to make a variety of products. For example, if you've brought Legos,
Legos have been made with ABS plastic. Our 3D printing and hardware course will
dive into more details about the pros and cons of each of these
different types of plastics. Of the two, we recommend PLA. This is the material that we use for
nearly all of our printing. And when you melt it,
it actually smells like waffles, so has a pleasant side effect. One of the limitations of both ABS and
PLA is their stiffness. Both are quite hard and don't bend easily. For example,
this smartphone case

was made using PLA. As you can see, it's not very flexible. So in recent years, a variety of different types of flexible
plastic filaments have emerged. In fact, I have one right here. Here in white,
this is a flexible filament. And as you can see, it bends quite easily. So this sort of material is really good
for making things that need to flex, such as a shoe or a ball. In addition to hard and soft plastics,
a number of mixed polymer materials are starting to appear,
such as this wood-based polymer. This gnome is printed in a polymer that
is 60% plastic and 40% wood byproduct. And as it melts,
the plastic is melted away and you're left with the wooden product. In addition, there is concrete polymers
and polymers that look like bronze. The range of materials that can be heated
up and

melted through an FDM printer, such as this, will continue to
increase in the coming years. So the capabilities of the machines
will be quickly expanding. One of the frequent questions that
those new to 3D printing often ask is, how much does this material cost? Well, what would you think that
a roll of PLA or ABS would cost? This is a kilogram. Well, in actuality, the cost of this material is much
cheaper than most people think. A kilogram of thermoplastic typically runs
for about $20 US, which is $0.02 a gram. As a point of reference,
a typical smartphone case such as the one I have here,
weighs between 20 to 25 grams. Thus, you can print a case for
your phone for less than $0.50, which is a lot less than you
would pay if you bought one. Thus, 3D printing objects is typically a
lot

[MUSIC] Now, let's take a look at applications. How 3D printers are being used. The next course in our specialization
will delve in more detail on this topic. So just wanted to give
you a few examples here. At present, 3D printers are being
used by many firms, not only for prototyping objects, but
also for manufacturing them. For example, General Electric uses 3D
printing to make thousands of parts for its jet engines. Also, Nike is working on
making 3D printed shoes. And Loco Motors, a car company,
recently 3D printed an actual car. In the US, most hearing aids and
dental implants are 3D printed. And several universities and firms are working on technologies that may
some day produced 3D printed human organs. For example,
the University of Louisville recently announced that they hope to

3D
print a human heart by 2023. We'll discuss this and
several other 3D printing applications, in the second week of our course. Although, most desktop 3D printers will
never make a car or a human heart, there are still lots of amazing things
that could be made using low cost, desktop 3D printing technology. Provide some stories of what our
students who come to our lab are using this technology
to make everyday. We'll discuss this in
the second week of our course. If you complete the specialization,
you will be able to design and create things that you probably
haven't even begun to imagine yet. That help guide you into how to think
about the things that you can make using a 3D printer, please take a look at this
3D typology which I developed a couple years ago with one of our

doctoral
students as a way of thinking about, what these tools can make. So my doctoral student and
I examined 500 different objects that had been posted on the website,
thingiverse.com. And we tried to classify these
objects using a typology. So what you see here is the typology. It has two axis resulting
in four categories. The first axis,
the horizontal axis, is the type of product whether it's a new product or
an existing product. The second axis,
the vertical axis, is the degree to which the product is a standalone
object that just works by itself. Or a component or
a piece of a larger object. So we combine these two axis
we have these four archetypes. So going from the top left,
we have creations and what you see here is a grading dice. And this is a dice that has
different grades,

A, B, C and D and also a couple others. And this is an example
of a new object that you wouldn't be able to buy in a store. And it works by itself,
you just toss a dice so it's standalone. Moving to the right, we have the next
category which are substitutes and they are simply objects that
you could buy in a store. Instead of buying in a store, you would
print it on your desktop, for example. So here we're showing a whistle. So for example, although you could buy a
whistle in the store, if you were coaching your son's soccer game and
it was 6 AM and the store was closed and you needed a whistle, printing it would
be a convenient way to obtain it. The next category down to the right
is something we call replacements. And what you see here on the right is
this knob on the right was 3D

printed for an old stove. And so, lots of things that
we have something breaks and it's hard to find a replacement object. And now if you have a digital design or if you want to sketch the object in
a 3D modeling program such as SketchUp, or perhaps even scan the broken piece,
you can now print a replacement object. And the final category on the bottom left
is something that we call solutions. And what you see here is
a solution to a problem of trying to integrate two
different toy systems. So this is called a duplo
brio connector and the bottom it connects
with Lego duplo blocks. And on the top across the top
is the brio train track. So this connector allows you to
integrate this two different but in compatible toy systems,
so those are solutions. So we develop this classification and

then
we randomly picked 500 different objects on Thingiverse, and then independently
my student and I each try to classify these 500 objects into 1
of these 4 different boxes. So what do you think we found? Which category had the most objects? Well, let's take a look at that. So as you see here in this next slide that
by far and away the biggest category, over half of these objects,
work creations, and you see the percentages for
the other three categories? And this is interesting because
we have to think of 3D printer as creating existing products,
and some individuals will say, why would I want to make my own whistle
when I can buy within the store, well perhaps you couldn't
if the store was an open? But that's really missing the point,
the key point here is that 3D printing allows us to

create new objects
that have never been seen before. So the fact that the majority
of these objects, 51% are creations is really interesting. This suggests that people
are using 3D printers to create new-to-the-world products
that have never existed before, and this is really the magic of 3D printing. I hope this typology has been
useful in helping you think about the sort of things you can
make with a 3D printer. As you can see, 3D printers can make
a variety of objects, both those that have already existed as well as those that
have never ever been made before. The possibilities are endless and the use of this technology is
as broad as your imagination. I hope this overview of 3D printing has
provided you with a better understanding of how you can put your imagination into
action, and

[MUSIC] For me, one of the cool things about
3D Printing is that the possibilities are almost endless. So, what I'm going to do
here is take this airplane which Danny Low had designed and
that we printed on our desktop 3D printer. I'm hear with Rodrigo who is
the factory manager at America Makes. And, I sent him the design. The STO file for this airplane. And, he actually took that design that
we emailed and he going to print it out. In fact, he has printed it on
this expensive [CROSSTALK] >> Very Expensive machine. >> Laser printer. >> Yes,
it's a selective laser melting burner. I know you talked about selective
laser sintering on your class. Selective laser melting refers
to a very similar machine. It just has normally a higher-end laser,
more power all of it. And you can print miles on

it. So we printed it out on this machine
with very little changes to the design. And actually build all
the file inside of this. >> Let's see what comes out of the oven. >> So you can actually see
the cake of powder down there. >> [SOUND] There we have it, airplane made out of metal. >> Mm-hm. >> Thank you, great job. >> You're welcome. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Hi, we're here somewhere in Brooklyn,
New York. We're here to talk to Aaron Roy. Aaron's the Head of Strategy and
Operations for a new company called 3DPrinterOS. Essentially, they're providing
the operating system that enables 3D printers to work together. And for Also, you'll be able to use
them in a more efficient manner. it's a really interesting concept and
a great company. I think you'll enjoy hearing from Aaron. Well, Aaron, thank you for
sitting down with us today. >> My pleasure. >> Could you tell us a bit about how
you got interested in the 3D printing? >> I had the chance to see
a 3D printer in action. It was about three to four years ago. I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. I feel like I stared at it for
about 45 minutes, trying to wrap my head around the fact

that a physical object
is being created out of thin air. And from there I just dived in head first. The first thing I did was I read
Fabricated by Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman I think. It absolutely got me on this path
of thinking I couldn't get out of. It was just absolutely set into wanting
to explore additive manufacturing. Another thing I then discovered was,
Makers by Chris Anderson. Back to back those books put me in
spot where 3D printing I had to get my hands on it. So actually what I did was I
started volunteering like crazy. I volunteered at the 3D print show,
with Maker Fair New York and with a Fab lab in Newport,
Road Island, Fab lab Newport. This gave me the chance to actually touch
machines, to get hands-on experience with some different types of 3D printers,
and I've never

looked back since [LAUGH]. [MUSIC] At 3DPrinterOS what we've done is we've
built the world's first operating system for 3D printing. Operating system is a very
vague world in so many ways. 3D printing right now,
there's hundreds of different machines. All of them have very machine specific,
very fragmented, very complicated workflows. For a school or an enterprise to bring in
3D printing and have to relearn or reteach admins on workflow every single time, it's
just very difficult and very frustrating. We really set out to unify
those different things. Put a platform together that can
connect across different systems. And, not only that, deliver better
results than machine specific hardware. By focusing only on software, we've been
able to explore a lot of the problems that played the 3D

printer
workload in general. What we've realized is a lot
of groups in today's world, actually have 3D printers,
but what to do with those, the training that goes into using them,
the ability to track statistics. Measure all [INAUDIBLE] 3D
printing investment, and share that access, it wasn't really there. So we've really, really,
focused on providing whole solutions. You know, asking what are the problems of
a business and then trying to solve those. But really the big thing for us is working with different
educational institutions we've realized schools might have printers, but maybe 5,
10, students had access to two printers. To us that was very frustrating because
they have these great machines but they're not using them. We built our software to kind of flip flop
them where we could

take two machines, share those to twenty users,
a hundred users, a thousand users, an infinite amount. And put data behind it for an admin to be
able to say we have two thousand hours of printing across a hundred different
machines over the past three months. Puts them in a position where they
can really grow their program. On the Enterprise side, we've been able to grow our software
around clients such as Jabil Circuit. They're the third largest contract
manufacturer in the world. Over $18 billion in revenue per year. We were able to go in there, work with their engineers,
who have had five, $1 million machines. But really only 5 to 10 people using them,
and instead bring in desktop FDM machines and be able to get 18 or
20 or 50 engineers with access. because at the end of the day,

more
utilization means faster prototyping and more measurable results. [MUSIC] We've seen 3D printing being used
differently than maybe we did two years ago. Where before it was pure prototyping,
we're seeing now, with material science advances,
attempts at attacking real large problems. One thing that I know a lot of groups are
working on is the access to materials such as PEEK and materials that can be
really disruptive manufacturing wise. Not just prototype materials. PEEK has similar tensile properties
to a material such as aluminum. This, as it becomes more prevalent
in the desktop 3D printing world, we think can really change the way that
3D printers are used in an enterprise or an education or even a desktop realm. Because one of the biggest complaints
we sometimes hear is well, you

can only make things in plastic. As desktop 3D printing can move into other
types of materials and that changes. Even a year ago today printing
in blended PRAs the copper, the brass fills, the gold fills,
the bamboo fills, that wasn't here. That wasn't really a possibility. And a year from today I'm really intrigued
to see where the materials are again. Those advances push
the whole industry forward. So 3DPrinterOS is one of the biggest areas
of focus for us as well as education, and you know we've had the chance to work with
some of the leading institutions in the US and around the world on how
they're using 3D printing. One of those in particular,
Duke University has really focused on enabling
access beyond your standard groups. So instead of focusing on just
engineers or just designers.

They've tried to open up 3D printing
to a broader of their student body. This is allowing people to not just
work in 3D but start thinking in 3D. Which as a shift in mindset, really allows
the industry to be more widely adopted. You have 500 students who've had exposure
to 3D printing is a lot different than just 10 engineering students. Thinking how we can design for additive
manufacturing is a completely different mindset in some ways than subtractive. With 3D printing,
we're adding from the ground up. We can build innovative shapes and
curves and objects. It's a whole different way
of design thought, and the more people who think that way,
the more innovation, the more cutting edge breakthroughs
we'll see in this field. [MUSIC] The 3D printing ecosystem today is, I would describe it in

some
ways as like a Holy Trinity. We have material, research, and science. Then we have hardware research in science,
and then we have software. Hopefully tying these
different pieces together. That ecosystem,
at some points we see limitations because as hardware needs to advance, it also
needs software to unleash that power. And as far as we can
push on the hardware and software side, we need great materials
to really complete that picture. I was reading just before you
guys got here today about full color 3D printing and what would
that take on an FDM printer, and I'm really interested to see,
you know what groups of e3D and what material scientists can do
to crack those types of problems. At the same point, you know for standard desktop 3D printing
we still have a lot of work to do. In

regards to making sure
printers all have WIFI and making sure printers are reliable. That they're user friendly,
that they're easy to use. And on the software side, you know the
problems we're working on tackling are, how can we make slicing better? How can we be more
predictable in print times? How can we make networking printers
together and making them easy for large groups to access simpler and
put data really behind that? A fourth problem that's part of the
ecosystem, that needs to be tackled, and I know is being addressed. Is design, you know,
A the access to great design content, 3D printable content, but
B optimization of existing content. So many files that are created are not
necessarily ready for 3D printing. In the tackling of that problem and
making them more available and

more accessible, will also be able to
push forward all three other fronts. In my dream world in five years from
today we'd see hardware be at a point where it's an easy work flow no
matter what machine was adopted. We'd see it at a point where
an enterprise can bring in hopefully 3D printing in the same way
they approach a modern PC. It's something that's a tool in
the belt of the manufacturing workflow. Same thing in education. 3D printing can be something
that is taught with regularity, not something that's an elective we
look at with interest and intrigue. 3D printing should be part of
the regular conversation because its potential to upset the $12
trillion manufacturing is very real. So in five years I do see
it making real progress on those fronts same thing
from a material side. I

think in one year, we'll see advances in materials that
we never even thought possible. Whether that's the printing of metal on
desktop in a safe and efficient manner, or it's the breakthrough new
materials that can be 3D printed that weren't possible through
some other manufacturing method. That can be used in a desktop environment
to change the way we approach manufacturing. And from a software side, you know
there's work to be done but I think as the computing power inside the machine
gets better, we can build better software, better firmware that you know that
unleashes even more of that power. [MUSIC] It took a while for
PCs to make it in every home. I think there's a lot of work that would
have to be done on the design optimization side to get a 3D printer in every home. Because even

if the machine was easy
to use, even if the software was super simple, even if the materials were
incredible, we have to have great content. I think teaching the ability to make great
content, unlocking the access to great content we have available today,
that's another issue in itself. So, I hope in 10 years I feel more
optimistic about that possibility. [MUSIC] If I were to recommend to someone just
starting out on 3D printing relation where they should begin that journey, I would
start with, first off get it front of it. 3D printing is like seeing is believing. Find a class, find a meetup,
find a FamLab, find anything you can to put
yourself in front of a printer. You have to see it to really
appreciate its power. Number 2, look at the great resources
online, obviously the Coursera, the

different components. There's a lot of resources becoming
available online on the topic. Number 3, I'm biased, but I will pitch
that Hod Lipson, Melba Kurman book, it's a little older now, but Fabricated,
really for me, highlighted the potential of the industry and besides that go
to the conferences, go to the shows. There's a lot of ones
that have free admission. Seeing this stuff in action, meeting the people in it,
still a really small industry. You could join today,
you could join a year from today and really make a huge
difference in 3D printing. This is a ground level industry. Really, you can make a monstrous
difference even today. >> So,
we're at the beginning of the revolution? >> I think that we're at the very
beginning of the revolution. I think we need more people within it. I

think we need great minds in it and
I think we need people who really want to tackle and take on and
solve some of these larger scale issues. For an industry that's poised to take off,
there are few and far between where you see the ground level and can reach out and
touch it this is that industry. The manufacturing industry is a $12
trillion market, and really 3D printing, the ability to take one pound in and
put one pound out, only use what material is there and create from that, it
has such unlimited disruptive potential. I would say, please join us [LAUGH]
>> I agree. [MUSIC] >> Please visit us at 3DPrinterOS.com,
there's a wealth of information and resources on what we're going,
some of our goals and initiatives for this year out there. We also teach classes in New York, in person,

more information can be
found on our website or at learn3D.nyc. That's a free class in New York where we
try to teach at Brooklyn Public Library. Agin, put the printers in front of people. Let them see it, let them interact. And we also do webinars. Same thing on that same site. Feel free to join us on a free
webinar as well, on 3D printing. [MUSIC]

I'm joined by Danny Lohan. Danny is a graduate student here
at the University of Illinois, and was one of the first gurus we found
on the online MakerLab back in 2013. Danny knows more about 3D printing
than just about anybody that I know. I thought he'd be a great ambassador
in terms of showing us how to turn your ideas into objects. We go through three steps. First of all, how to take an idea and
create it using a 3D modeling program. In this case, Dan will be demonstrating
very quickly a program called Fusion 360. >> That's right. >> Second, how to prepare that digital
file for printing on a 3D printer. And finally, how to actually take
that file, put it on a printer, and come out with a finished object. Danny, what are you going to
show us how to make today? >> Today, I

think we will go
through making a jet airplane. The reason I choose this object is
because the software, Fusion 360, makes it really easy to
model parts such as this. >> Danny,
what's the first step in this process? How do you go from an idea
to an object like this? >> The first step is to choose
the appropriate software and as I mentioned,
today we're going to use Fusion 360. >> Fusion 360 is an Autodesk product. >> That's right. >> It's one of the most advanced
modelling programs out there. >> That's right. >> We're actually, if you stick around
with the rest of the specialization, in the software portion, the software
course of our 3D printer specialization, you actually get the hands-on
instruction by Jeff Smith who works for Autodesk and is a Fusion 360 ambassador. You should be able

to, by the end of that course, learn how
to make things like this, right Danny? >> That's right. >> Go ahead and take us through the steps. >> Sure. The first thing we're going to have
to do is open the software package. This is the icon for Fusion 360. If we click on that,
it'll start opening the software. Now what's unique to this software
is it's actually cloud-based. >> What does that mean? >> That means you'll need some internet
connection to login to the software and through that connection and your account, all your part files will be saved online
>> Are there advantages to being online? Could you share your files with people
working in other parts of the world? >> That's right. Fusion 360 makes it easy to collaborate
with people around the world or locally when working on a part

file. >> Okay.
Now what do we have here, Dan? Looks like we have a topographical
map without anything on it. >> This is the user interface for
Fusion 360. The reason I'm using Fusion 360 to design
this airplane is that Fusion 360 doesn't work like traditional CAD programs,
where you have parametric modeling. It actually uses something
called T-splines. You can think about it like sculpting. We can start with a block of material,
say clay, and we can pull and morph it until we get a shape like
the airplane in just a few minutes. I'll show you a quick example. If we create this tool,
we enter the form environment. In the form environment,
we can input objects and modify those basically free form. Here we have an object. One thing you would need to do is define
how many faces and edges are in

this part. You can do that with
the dialogue box presented. >> Now what's a face and what's an edge? >> An edge is represented by the line and four lines connected together
usually represent a face. Beyond the creation tool, we can use the
modified tool which has a wide assortment of modifications we can use to change the
shape and sculpt this into an airplane. We can directly pull, push, and modify this object with
simple clicks of a button. Once we have our desired faces
selected by clicking the alt button, we can extrude this face
by selecting one of this outer rim of icons,
we can resize the objects or faces. This way, we can increase the size
of our object by molding it. In order to create the wings, we can
select one of the surfaces or more and use the extrude function
to pull that

surface out, resize it and reposition it. We can do the same on the other side for
the second surface. By doing similar procedures, we can repeat this on all the surfaces to create
different features on the airplane. >> Are there any tests in
Fusion 360 to let you know that the actual design can be 3D printed? >> What's really nice about Fusion 360 is
if you create this whole model in the form environment, it is guaranteed to be
watertight and ready for printing. You do not have to take additional steps,
like you might with other software, to make sure that you
can 3D print your part. >> What is watertight,
what does that mean? >> Watertight means that
there is a closed surface. You can imagine dropping
this airplane in water, water would not go inside the airplane. >> And to print an

object,
it should be watertight, correct? >> That's right. >> Why don't you go ahead and take us
through the steps in terms of moving from this finished 3D model in a Fusion
360 to the next step in the process, which is preparing the design file for
printing. >> What you need to do is go into the file
menu, and click the 3D print button. >> A 3D print menu item. >> That's right.
>> Makes it easy. >> From here, we can select the object,
make any modifications you might want to it regarding resolution and
output it directly to a STL file. >> Now STL is the PDF of 3D printing,
right? >> That's right. >> Other programs besides Fusion
360 such as Tinker CAD or Google Sketch Up, for example,
will also produce STL files. >> That's right. And that's the output when you take that
STL, and the next

step is to prepare that in a 3D, it's called a slicing program,
which prepares the file for printing. >> That's right. >> The reason we do that
is because these programs, even though Fusion 360 was designed with
3D printers in mind but these programs are creating 2D images that are not ready
for actual three dimensional printing. In essence, what they're lacking is the command instructions that tell
the printer, the print head, where to go. >> Right. >> How do we take that STL file and
put that into the slicing program? >> Sure. Each 3D printer comes with its own slicing
software, so the Ultimaker specifically, uses a software called Cura, and
we can open Cura by clicking this icon. >> You can download Cura for free? >> That's right. Slicing is the essential step between
your 3D part file

and a 3D printed file. What slicing software does is it
takes the part file you have, and it will cut it into
a large number of layers. You can imagine taking a slice with
a chef's knife of your 3D part. >> Okay. >> On each of those layers, it will trace
the path that this end effector takes to draw the part on each layer. By successfully drawing each layer,
eventually, the printer will print the part. This is basically making the recipe or
cookbook for this particular print file. >> Okay.
That's a great description. >> We can open the airplane file and
it places it on the build plate, the area on the bottom is
called the build plate. As long as your file
fits within these bounds, it should be able to
print by the Ultimaker. When the object is imported,
it might have the wrong orientation,

we can change the orientation by selecting
the object and clicking the rotate button. There's a lot of customization
when using Cura. One thing you might
note right off the bat, is it shows the amount of time that
it will take to print the part. >> Okay. >> What's important here is if
you adjust the, say resolution, make it higher fidelity,
it will increase the time. But you can do certain things such as
increasing the amount of material inside the part, so adding an infill,
making it partly hollow, and this will decrease the time
it takes to print. You can adjust the settings based on
what you need to get a print that's reasonable in time. Another thing we can do is change
the size of the object we want to print. If you click the object,
there is a scale button. Right now, we have 100%

scale,
so it's one. If we resize the object to say half scale, we will notice that the time is
significantly reduced for print. >> Danny, while this is working,
what are some of the main considerations that someone has to keep in
mind when engaged in this slicing process? What are the typical things that are
adjusted besides the size of the design? >> The number one thing I
would consider is whether or not your product needs support material. For example, this airplane has wings and
you can see that these wings are not touching the plate, so
the 3D printer can't print in thin air. In order for
it to actually make this part, you have to include some material
under it so that it can print on top. What the printer actually does is instead
of creating a solid support structure, it makes a very

loosely meshed support
structure so that it's easy to peel off. >> I just take that off
with some pliers or a file. >> Right. In the basic tab, you can see that
there's an option for support type and you can put support structure
wherever you want and whatever form. >> Where would you put the support for
something like this? >> For this,
I would put supports everywhere, since there are a lot of locations that
have some overhang or floating material. >> With 3D printing,
we can make object completely solid or completely hollow, or anything in between. Should we talk a bit about that infill? >> Since this a display piece and nothing structural, we can actually
remove a lot of the material inside. Inside the basic menu,
there's an option for fill density. Right now, it starts at ten for

default, that means 10% of this
object will be filled with material. >> So 90% of it will be hollow. >> That's right. We can change the setting to speed up or
slow down the print, depending on what your need is. As I mentioned, since it's only aesthetic, we can drop this down to 5% and
print it that way. >> It sounds like the infill consideration
is influenced by two factors. One, the amount of time that you have. >> Right.
>> If you're pressed for time, perhaps you make an object
a bit more hollow. >> Right.
>> And second is what you plan
to do with the object. >> Right.
>> Is it just sitting on your desktop and people are looking at it,
then it can basically be a hollow object. >> Right.
>> Versus if it's a bracket that's holding something heavy, you may want something
that is a bit more

solid inside. >> That's right. >> Are there other considerations? How about actually you mentioned
the resolution of the print? >> Sure,
one way you can change the quality of the print is through
the basic menu again. You have several options,
the first of which is the layer height and that's going to describe the amount the
print head moves up between each layer. >> Okay. >> If you decrease this height, you'll
get a higher resolution on the z-axis. >> What's the typical resolution level? >> That depends on the type of printer. >> Typically, in the MakerLab, we print most of our objects at
a layer height of around 250 microns. What that means is that four
layers equals one millimeter, or in other words, each layer's only
a quarter of a millimeter thick. As a point of reference, the width

of
a sheet of paper is about 100 microns. The UItimaker, as well as the Makerbot, will print something as fine
as a width sheet of paper. But typically, we don't do that because
the parts that we use look pretty good actually at 250 microns and
we don't want to stick around for days to have the object print. Anything else we need to do, Danny, before
we actually start the printing process? >> No, at this point, we can go ahead and
select this button to save the tool path. It'll actually save it directly
to our SD card, in which case, we can use that to print it. >> It's saved, and you're going to
take the card and do what with it? >> Once we have the part on the card, we
can take it and plug it into the printer, in which case, the printer's going to read
the part from the card and begin

printing. >> Both the Ultimaker as well
as the MakerBot use an SD card to read the file to print. >> That's right. [MUSIC] Here's our jet airplane. Nice job, Danny. >> Thank you.
>> It looks great. >> What we're going to have to do is
remove this airplane from the platform and remove the support material. What we'll have left is
the fighter jet on its own. >> Here it is, Danny. What do you think?
>> I think it looks good. >> Great job. Danny just took us through the steps on
how you can turn your ideas into objects using 3D printing technology,
in this case, to make a plastic airplane. In other parts of this course,
you'll see lots of other examples of people using this technology to
revolutionize the economy, all the way from making 3D printed earbuds to making
prosthetics for children

around the world. Hope you stick around
to see these videos and learn more about this
fascinating new technology. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Hi, I'm here in Youngstown, Ohio at the National Additive
Manufacturing Innovation Institute, also known as America Makes,
which is a lot easier to say. America Makes is a really
interesting operation. It began in 2012, started by the Obama
Administration as way to reinvigorate American manufacturing using 3D printing
and atom manufacturing technology. Now America used to be a country
that made lots of things. I grew up in a factory town. My grandfather made ball bearings for
45 years. My grandmother worked in
a clothespin factory. But over the past 15, 20, 25 years,
you see increasingly less and less made by American companies. So America Makes is designed to
reinvigorate this manufacturing ethos. It's a unique public and private
partnership, again, founded by the U.S. Government.

But you'll see filmed
machines donated by large and small 3D printing companies, such as
MakerBot, Stratysys, and 3D Systems. I'm here today to talk to
you about Mark Cotteleer. Mark is a consultant for Deloitte. In fact, he's their specialist on
3D printing item manufacturing. He's going to talk about
the difference between the two and how what you're learning here in this
course, about desktop 3D printing, can be applied to much broader manufacturing
techniques at a factory scale. Let's go find Mark, and
learn about additive manufacturing. Come on. Well Mark, thank you for
taking the time to be with us today. >> It's good to be here Eric. >> Can you start off by telling us
a bit about your 3D printing story? How you became interested
in this technology? >> So I've been involved in 3D

printing or
additive manufacturing, you'll hear me call it
additive manufacturing, at an industrial scale for
about three years now. And Deloitte is one of the largest
professional services firms in the world. We have a very advanced technology
practice where we help our clients understand how to take both manufacturing
and information technologies and deploy them in pursuit of
value inside their businesses. And when we looked around and said what
are the critical technologies that we're going to need to be able to help
our clients understand for the future. Additive manufacturing,
3D printing was clearly one of them. Additive manufacturing
is not a new technology. The original process, stereolithography,
was invented over 30 years ago. The technology used to be
referred to as rapid

prototyping. What we're seeing now
is a bit of a breakout. The technologies have advanced to
a point where the economics and the quality is sufficient to actually
move into final part production. We have done quite a bit
of work in aerospace and defense and in military applications. Trying to understand how additive
manufacturing can be used to either enhance sustainment,
that is the ability of planes to fly, of equipment to run very rapidly. We're looking at supply
chain applications, so how do we manage what we call
long tail inventory applications? So maybe I have parts that
I have to serve clients for products that might be decades old. And if someone orders that part,
maybe the toolings not available, maybe the supplier's gone out of business,
maybe I don't even have a design for it,

and I need a way to manufacture it. So we're working with clients to
understand how can I rapidly produce parts in a lot size of one in order
to service that customer. We're working with clients to help them
conceptualize how they can create entirely new products. By using the design capabilities
that are enabled by additive manufacturing to either simplify
the number of components that go in. So I can produce all as one piece instead
of having to assemble multiple individual subcomponents. Or maybe I can redesign to take
weight out using lattices, or taking nonessential material out of
different parts of the component in order to reduce weight, or increase performance. Or we're seeing applications where we're
enabling entirely new business models. Lots of really new exciting

application
areas for this particular technology. We're just getting started. Deloitte has its history in
things like auditing and tax. But we are in fact one of the largest
consulting firms in the world, and one of the most respected. We have leading practices in analytics,
in supply chain and manufacturing operations, in lots of
different areas, it might surprise you. So people should check
out what all we're doing. We are interested in this space, both from
the perspective of the technology itself, so how is it that we
deploy these machines? But it's also important to
recognize that these machines exist within what we refer to
as the digital thread. That is,
in order to allow this machine to work, we need an entire technology
infrastructure built around it. We'll help a company design

its
additive manufacturing strategy. We'll help a company figure out
what components are appropriate for being manufactured using
additive manufacturing. We'll help them choose the equipment. We'll help them identify other
partners they want to work with, what is the software, how does that
digital thread all go together. And we'll help them secure it
by using our cyber security services to actually make sure
that nobody can hack into it. Which, if you think about it,
can be a pretty big deal. And then we'll also help with
the workforce transformation. So we have a big human capital practice that does all the change management
around helping people understand how the change of this technology
is going to impact their business. When we talk about the digital revolution, we have to extend

even beyond
additive manufacturing into, you could call it industry 4.0,
you could call it smart manufacturing. You could call it the future
of manufacturing. It goes back to this notion of the digital
thread and to what we like to talk about as the physical to digital
to physical transition. So we all live in a physical world,
we interact with physical objects. But so much of the enablement of
that world has become digital. That is, we use information technology in
order to make ourselves more effective, more efficient,
in order to improve our quality of life. And so, as manufacturers,
as service providers, companies need to understand how to draw
off information from the physical world. That could be about the state of
the products that they produce. It could be about the demands

that
customers have for those products. And that maybe the individual
customizations that they are looking for to make it personable to them,
as individuals. The manufacturers need to be able to draw
off all that information using sensors or other technologies. They need to be able to apply advanced
analytics and other computing systems in order to make better decisions about
what and where they want to produce. And then they need to actually
transition back into the physical world. This is where additive manufacturing comes
in, to produce the products that have the fit and form and performance that
are required by customers today. And so all of these information and
operations technologies have to work together in this overarching
digital thread in order for a company to be successful
in

the 21st century. With additive manufacturing,
that may include the ability to, eventually at least, mix materials, embed
sensors so that we continue that virtuous cycle of going from the physical
world to the digital world. To the physical world, to the digital
world, to the physical world, to the digital world, on and on, always
improving and serving our customer better. The difference very often is one
of scale and precision when you look at the difference between say
a desktop and industrial scale. So we have some of the models that you
produce, and you've been working with this airplane model that you're
producing using a desktop printer. That is a fused filament process
that we often refer to as FDM, fused deposition modeling. This is a similar object made through
a fused filament

process as well, they look very similar. And the main distinction that you're
going to find here between the desktop and the industrial scale is one of size. You can produce a much bigger part and
one of precision. So you're going to see a much finer
gradations depending on which of the machines you're using. Now these fused filament processes
are getting better and better everyday. We also have other technologies. So you've talked about SLS in your class,
selective laser sintering. That's another process of
additive manufacturing that is available at the industrial scale. This is the same object, same file,
we just sent it to a different machine, that is produced out of another polymer or
plastic material. In SLS, we're aiming a laser into a powder
bed, again manufacturing layer by layer.

And what you'll notice here, the obvious difference in the color,
different materials. And so you've got different
material capabilities, different mechanical
characteristics between them. You'll also see some
differences in precision. So this process, you can get to
an even finer surface level. It's a powder-based system. That surface finish is determined by
literally the grain size of the powder. We've also got one here. This is a selective laser
melting process where we're actually producing
out of stainless steel. Again, it's a powder bed process. Again, we're going layer by layer. And so the big differences are between
what you are seeing on your desktop and what you are seeing in the industrial
application is really one of the size of the process. The precision of the process, the

variety
of materials that you're able to use. Certainly the design principle. So, your students will perhaps be
learning to design objects using a fused filament process. The learning of those design principles,
of how to design for additive manufacturing, will be applicable
in a variety of different spaces. Now it's important to recognize
that different additive processes will yield different capabilities, and different opportunities to
expand the design envelope. So what they're really learning here is
that baseline, that foundation that's going to allow them to get a head
start on the rest of the world. They're also going to
learn to conceptualize the capabilities of
additive manufacturing. So that when they get to that company or
when they turn to their business and say hey, here's how

additive manufacturing
can really play a role in our broader manufacturing context. They're going to be much better prepared
to have ideas about how to move that company forward using these technologies. The additive manufacturing space
compared to conventional manufacturing, is still relatively small. But the important thing is
that it's growing very fast. Additive manufacturing is not a panacea. It's not going to change everything. But it's going to change some things
in really, very important ways. Additive manufacturing technologies offer
the promise of addressing some really troubling, really challenging product
design and supply chain issues. The market is growing at
almost 30% per year and that's been sustained
over quite a long time. So we're looking at a market that is
growing by

billions of dollars every year. There are academic studies
that show that there can in fact be a return on investment for
a home printer today. More likely than that, I think,
is we are going to see a dipole model emerge sometime
in the next five to ten years. Where your local big box retailer,
or maybe your local hardware store, will begin to deploy these
kinds of technologies. So when something goes wrong in your home,
or when you have a product
that you want to download. Perhaps you download and buy it,
purchase a design from a service. You will send that over to your local
shop and they will manufacture it for you, very much as America Makes did for
these objects for us today. And then sometime,
maybe not in the next five to ten years, we'll see that actually penetrate
the home in a

significant way. At Deloitte we have produced
an online course, a MOOC. Go to www.dupress.com/3d-opportunity. We've got many perspectives that we'll
look at individual dimensions of the additive manufacturing questions. And then we also have our online course, which is very similar to
the course you're doing here. It's about three hours,
a certificate credit. That they can walk through each
of the seven ASTM processes for additive manufacturing. As well as a framework for understanding how additive
manufacturing applies to the business. It's won awards, we've had lots of users. And we'd invite everybody to participate. Additive manufacturing, the universe
of possibility is very broad and it's easy to get intimidated trying to
figure out, what am I going to do first? Just get started,

particularly again
if you're a business that manufactures things, because your competitors
are getting started. And this is an area where you want to
learn and build capabilities over time. So, that you skill
yourself as an individual. And so that you deliver those
capabilities to your business, so that it can succeed in the long term. >> Don't be afraid to fail. >> Don't be afraid to fail. No. >> Well great job Marc, thank you so much. >> Thank you,
it was a pleasure being here. >> Thank you. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Today, I'm in front of Bascom Hall, here at the University of
Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. You may be wondering, what is
an University of Illinois professor doing here at the University of Wisconsin? Well, before I joined
the Illinois faculty, I was a member of the faculty here at
the University of Wisconsin for ten years. As part of my duties, I taught a course
called New Product Development. At the end of this course, students would give presentations
about innovative new products. Well, there was one presentation that
changed my outlook on innovation forever. That was a student presentation
in the fall of 2008, which the students brought forward this
new technology called 3D printing. Like most of the students in the room, I
had never heard of this technology before, and it

really fascinated me. So since then, I was determined to learn
all that I could about 3D printing. And about 18 months later,
I purchased my first 3D printing kit. Let me show it to you. This here is the MakerBot Cupcake,
the world's first desktop 3D printer. Now back in 2010,
these machines came as a kit. I'm not an engineer,
I'm a marketing professor. So it was quite a task to build this. This came in a flat box with hundreds
of screws, you can see parts, moving pulleys, gears, and all sorts
of things that I didn't understand. So I sought the help
of a number of people. First of all, I sought the help
of my teenage son, Justin. So Justin and I, in the course of about
two weeks, put this printer together. We got it to turn on, we got their gears
to work, we got the motors to run. But we

had a number of problems. First of all, we couldn't get the printer
hot enough to melt the plastic, so we couldn't make the objects. So, I went to New York City to visit
MakerBot to see if they could help. They did. So once we got the plastic to melt,
we had a second problem. The plastic did melt, but
the objects didn't look very good. The edges were rough, they were droopy. It didn't look like
a high-quality piece of work. I realized at that time,
I actually needed an engineer. Fortunately, at the same time, I had
recently read an article about a young engineering graduate from the University
of Wisconsin Madison named Chris Meyer, that established a hacker
space called Sector 67. So I give Chris a call. Supposedly, this place had 3D printers. So I let Chris borrow my printer. He had it

for about six months, and by the end of that
time, he got it running very smoothly. Now since that time, I've been interacting
with the hacker space community. There are many of them
all across the country. And they do 3D printing and all sorts
of digital manufacturing that help individuals like me turn
their ideas into objects. So what I'd like to do next is actually
take a walk down to this hacker space, talk to Chris, find out more
about 3D printing, hacker spaces, and the maker movement. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] >> Chris, thanks for joining us today. >> Yeah, absolutely. Thanks for having me. >> Thanks for your help in helping
me launch my 3D printing adventure. I couldn't have done it without you. >> Yeah, thank you. [SOUND] So the idea of the hackerspace is
that you bring people together who have interests and maybe dissimilar backgrounds
or similar backgrounds or similar experiences or very different experiences,
and you bring them under one space. It's just like a gym club for
people that like to build stuff. And so you can come in,
you can use the tools, you can use the equipment, you can get
training, you can get instructions. Meet up with like minded people and
work on projects together. Now the thing a lot of people neglect
is that it's not all about the tools, it's all about the

people. So the people that you can bring together
are the most important asset, and the tools are a secondary asset. Sector 67 got started about five
years ago, which makes us one of the earlier hackerspaces in the US,
and one of the first in Wisconsin. But when I graduated with a master's
degree in mechanical engineering, I rented a building,
the building that we're in now. And I hoped that it would work out. I signed a personal guarantee
on a one-year lease, and I hope people would show up and use it. [SOUND] When I was a kid, I used to go
run over to my neighbor's house, and my neighbor had a welder. He had a car lift. He had an acetylene torch. He had all the necessary tools to
be able to work on a car and so that was my sort of
primordial hackerspace, further then that is

really
thinking in terms of a farm. So farmers are the earliest
hackerspace operators. Those are the folks who ran
to their neighbors and said, hey you've got the tool that I need or can you come down help me with fixing my
tractor, get my equipment working again. This has been around forever, this idea
of sharing tools and ideas and resources. It just hasn't been done in inner
city areas or downtown areas, and I think that's really the biggest
difference with the hackerspace and what's been done in the past. [SOUND] In the past five years we've
had a little over 500 members. And having folks come and
go is a healthy thing, so at any one time we've got about
100 members who are active. Our membership's all month to month, so
people can join for a month, they join for a year, or do whatever

they like to do in
terms of what timing works out for them. But we've had just as many people who have
no formal training in anything as there are people who've got a PhD in physics and
maybe a Master's in engineering. And I'd say that's the underlying
theme with the people that are here is that everybody likes to build things. I think what it really comes down to,
though, is having somebody around
you to egg you on. I think that's what
a hackerspace really exists for, is to draw together people who go
I've never done this before and somebody else looks at them and goes,
yeah, I had to do that last week, here's what I did and here's what
worked out well and here's what didn't. And I think that's the differing
element between reading online and being on a forum. And being in an environment

with
a bunch of people who are working on things together. Is that you get the true, you bump elbows with somebody who's doing
something totally different than you. One of the members is really
into taking USGS survey data and then compiling it into something that's
either 3D printable or routable. This company's called My Square Foot,
but he makes these brilliant maps and routes them into a piece of wood. This one's been milled out of
a piece of pine on the CNC router. But you can just as easily
print one of these off. We've got another member who
worked here who's actually making frying pans in the shape of the state. She's got all the US states
all made out of cast iron and they're usable frying pans so you can
use them as a wall decoration as well. One of the members built a

penny
farthing which is an old-time bike with a giant front wheel. This is a laser-cut wooden hat and one of our members has a patent on
this tab and slot construction system. There's no glue and no screws
holding this together on the top and it's essential just held
together under it's own tension. This is bending plywood and
then it's been laser cut and laser engraved so
that's how it's been cut out of the wood. >> Very cool.
[NOISE] >> I think 3D printing about five years ago really picked up. There was a patent that expired and
allowed a lot of innovation in the area. We started off with RepRaps,
which were 3D-printable 3D printers and those are still around. Those spawned MakerBot
out of NYC Resistor, a hackerspace in New York just like
this one where MakerBot got its start. And then

we've seen from then many many
many different companies entering this arena and starting to construct and
manufacture their own machines, and there's a number of those
machines in this room. And yeah,
I think it's a really commonplace tool. It's a very accessible,
very easy to understand how to use. And the best part about it is there's not
a lot of prior knowledge that you need. Because it's additively
building the parts. The 3D printer you're just hitting print. The platform's starting off
empty as a blank slate and then building up your part
layer by layer by layer. Behind us on the back wall there, there is a whole bunch of 3D printers
that are used to print off these stamps. So these are a company
called Snowshoe Stamp, these are emulating the points of
contact of your fingers on the

screen. And so
when you push this up against your screen, your phone can register where
these contact points were, and it's an authentic means of validating
that you've been to a location. If you wanted to go to a coffee shop and
say, yep, I've been to the counter, I bought a coffee, you can stamp your
phone on this and it'll authenticate that you were at that particular location
interfacing with this particular stamp. The challenge is though is that
every stamp needs to be unique. 3D printing right now is really one of
the only viable processes to make these. They're able to make hundreds and
hundreds and hundreds of these stamps on 3D printers. And they're not able to make many
thousands in short order but there still able to make every
single one of these be unique. For this company 3D

printing was
crucial to them getting started. And they actually got
started here at Sector 67. I think you see a lot of entrepreneurs and a lot of start ups using 3D printers
as a manufacturing approach. And I think that's going to continue
to happen more and more often. As the printers keep coming down in price,
it becomes more feasible to have a dozen of them or two dozen of
them on a wall or on a shelf and be able to work those machines nearly
around the clock making your parts. So I think with 3D printing you're
going to see many different technologies come into play in the future. So right now FDM technology, where you're laying down material like
a hot glue gun does is really commonplace but SLA and SLS are two different other
manufacturing approaches that yield a lot higher detail

and a lot better
approach to manufacturing parts. And those printers are going to
become more and more popular. But I think second to that, you've still got traditional
subtractive manufacturing technologies. There's actually a maker of CNC milling
machines just north of us in Waunakee called Tormach. And Tormach makes CNC mill and those mills
are doing subtractive manufacturing. And so when you do subtractive
manufacturing you're putting in a block of metal or a block of steel or
whatever you want to make it out of and you're removing material. These guys are building
desktop personal CNC machines. They're nearly the size of a 3D printer. But they're able to make
metal parts directly. And they're making the software and technologies much,
much easier to approach. And I think that's going

to be
another place things are going to go as people are going to start to realize
that through software solutions, and just educational solutions, you can teach
people how to use a lot of these machines that were difficult previously, and
are becoming easier, and easier to use. I think the future is still going to
be a big blend of these things. Really, 3D printing has enabled anybody
to start manufacturing their own products on their desk. The catch is it's limited to what
they can consume as an end consumer. But the idea of a 3D printer though is
that every end consumer could own one of these machines. So now it falls into
the hands of designers. To be able to design parts that are
manufacturable on a printer to be used at home, and, I think, as the technologies
continue to improve,

and, as we'll see, over the next five years, these
technologies are going to become more, and more advanced, and more, and more easy to use, which has really
been the key innovation to date. And we're seeing a lot of
start ups embrace that and build their products within the confines
of what the printer can make. And I think that will continue to permeate
larger manufacturers and larger companies. But the reality will become you can
make more and more customized things. I would say 3D printing has definitely
been a revolution over the past five years and
going to be going forward from there. We're going to see more and
more technologies evolve and more and more openness around these things. And I think that's really the revolution,
is this idea of being open to making things yourself,

and
the idea of designing things yourself and figuring out how to go about doing
that is really the next step. [SOUND] I guess my advice for 3D printing
would be number one, don't just go out and buy a machine for yourself. First, look in to the community and
find out if someone also already has one, that you could go meet with them or
talk with them or interact with them and find out what their experience has been, because the whole point of a hackerspace
is bringing people together. The opportunity for the two of you to
learn together is a lot more valuable than individuals working in their
homes on their own projects. On hackerspaces.org they list all
these spaces all around the world. So you can go on there and check it out
and see what's out there and there might be one right around

the corner from you,
you just haven't heard about it yet. There's a website called Hackaday. Hackaday shares different projects. It's essentially a project blog. So anyone can contribute
a project to that. It'll get featured on the main page and
people then talk about it in this huge community around that website
of just people making projects. If you're interested in looking
more into what we're up to, you can go to sector67.org. And, we've got a lot of information on
products that are up there, the tools and equipment that are here. And, if you're ever in Madison we
do tours every Friday from 1:00 to 7:00 on the hour. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Hi, welcome to my office. If you're like me,
when you need a product, you typically don't think about making it,
instead you buy it from a store. Now, typically, store bought items
work pretty well for most of us, but sometimes they don't. Let me give you one example. I have a really big head. This is the largest hat size I could find. And as you can see,
it's still a bit tight. Now although I have a large head,
I have really tiny ears. So this product,
these off the shelf Apple earbuds, which may work well for you,
don't work very well for me. They're hard to put in, as you can see,
and they fall out really easily. The problem is, this, and
other mass produced items, are made for large groups, large segments,
not for individual consumers. Also, mass produced items
are typically

made in a faraway place by someone that we don't know,
with a process that we haven't seen. As a result, most of us are pretty far
removed from the actual making process. Thus, this first exercise, is to get you
familiar with the making process, or at least thinking about making things by
stimulating your imagination as a maker. Now imagination is the most important
part of the 3D printing process, because if you can't imagine it,
you can't make it. In this exercise I'd like
you to do three things. First of all, using the camera
in your computer, or laptop, or on your phone, talking about the video
camera to make a short video. In this video, I'd like to you
to answer a number of questions. First of all, tell us a bit about
yourself, your name, where you're from. Second, give us an idea of

something
that you would like to 3D print. And third,
tell us why you'd like to 3D print that. Finally, please post this video and
keep it short, about a minute or so, post it on the course webpage at
the exercise portion of the course. Your video submission will be
peer reviewed by other learners. And likewise, you'll have a chance to peer review
the submissions made by your colleagues. And if you continue with
the rest of the specialization, you actually develop the skills,
knowledge, and have access to the tools to actually
turn this idea into a real object. That's it,
I look forward to seeing your submissions. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] [NOISE] Hi,
I'm here in a New York City taxi, we're on our way to
meet with Matt Griffin. I first met Matt back in 2010 when I build
my First 3D printer, a MakerBot Cupcake. Since that time, Matt has moved
onto a variety of other jobs and has recently begun as the new community
manager for Ultimaker, the Desktop 3D printer that we'll be featuring in the
hardware segment of this specialization. Matt, thanks for meeting with us today. >> Great, glad to meet with you. >> Let's start from the beginning,
how you got interested in 3D printing. >> I had been working in film and theater producing and
insulation art and that sort of thing. I started going over to NYC Resistor
in Brooklyn and I saw the first prototype of the MakerBots and started
thinking about what might be possible. At

that time, I was focused on
like stop motion animation and puppetry and installation art,
like what I could do if I had a 3D printer because I didn't have money
to get one and I wanted to use one. >> The only other route was to go pitch in
to help put together the kits at MakerBot, because they were just
starting out as a business. They had no employees yet. I made a short video of the first
high school classroom that had a 3D printer in the curriculum. It was Liz Aaron's class
over at Saint Ann's, in Brooklyn, and the students who
had adopted it, like a class pet, were doing such incredible work with
it and helping each other to use it. I was kind of all in, and
was lucky employee 13 at MakerBot and was basically there all the way up to
launch of the Replicator2 in Wired. NYC Resistor is

a hacker space, one of the early ones that was
popular in the United States. It was bringing the model
over from Europe. It was a natural place for
3D printing to be fostered because the width and style of making these
early 3D desktop printers was to find the simplest solution for
these little Cartesian machines. That would allow them to use
at hand parts, make things using a laser cutter to frame out machines
and platforms and those kinds of elements. In the early days,
the machines were much tougher to use so you could be really happy to make just
a pulley that spins, like that was great compared with today where
the level of ambition is much higher. The early days, it was sort of
the excitement of saying okay, I need exactly this thing,
it's very simple. But instead of going to buy

it,
we could use some free software, or affordable software, and
work our way towards these ideas. Getting feedback from other
people who are also similarly trying to solve these problems and then
see the tangible results in front of us. If you could race to try things and then
it wasn't that upsetting if it didn't work out because you're only using
like a dollar worth of plastic. MakerBot came out of the RepRap movement. There had been 3D printers for 20 years,
I guess at this point, maybe 25 years. People who were working in engineering or
manufacturing, they knew about them and they had a certain place in
the tool chain for prototyping. The RepRap movement emerged out of
the idea, what if we find a cheaper way to solve the problem of making these
machines that have been around using as

few specialized parts as possible so
that more people can make them? So, the efforts you go into solving your
machine can then be replicated by another, which then shaped into replicating itself. They were using like threaded rod and
as many 3D printed parts as possible. The goal then became we want to make something like
a dedicated machine to make these parts. We're not as concerned about
the self-replication part of this, which had been instrumental in spreading
the word that this might be possible. MakerBot was essentially the first
company to get a lot of attention for being able to offer
a machine that would work without you having to have
another 3D printer to produce it. The U.S. launch of Ultimaker happened
at an event that I was helping to throw at MakerBot at in Brooklyn,

BotoCon0. >> Okay. >> I had known about Erik de Bruijn,
one of the three founders of Ultimaker because he was another
one of the core RepRap people. In fact, he was the first one to
successfully produce a working Darwin. The first of the breed of RepRap that
people were making in the world and nobody other than Adrian Bowyer,
the founder of this movement,
had managed to make one that worked. He had that kind of cred, if you will. I knew about him. I knew about his interest. He came to speak in
the event we were doing and I have been following
their work the whole time. I think that these
machines are fantastic and I love how they keep the spirit,
the value of community alive. Ultimaker is still an open-source hardware
platform and there's an opportunity to introduce more people and more

types
of communities to these machines. They're setting up a North American
branch, and I'm the director of community. [SOUND] Desktop 3D printers
are pretty affordable, pretty safe ways to produce
something that you need right then to go from a digital
file to a physical object. While there are other ways to do this
sort of thing, the close connection of having a computer controlled tool and
producing parts in a hard plastic that can be used for so many different things
means that you can use a desktop 3D printer as a general tool to solve
a huge range of problems and needs. One of the things that's new, as far as
far as the experience of a designer or engineer using a desktop 3D printer
is that the process of creation becomes one that closely ties the digital
design with the physical

world. The objects that you're
making end up being these digital objects where you can kind of keep
thinking and sketching anywhere you are, making contributions towards
what you're trying to get, regardless of what kind
of project you're making. You can basically use a tool like
this to think in the real world and be able to show other people
what you mean by something by allowing them to encounter it. I think this is a fantastic opportunity
for people who are curious and want to learn more about the world. At this point, in the highly accelerated
story of desktop 3D printing, we've gone from being excited that it even works to
being really picky about how it works. In my opinion, the story is shifting
now from the kind of hype that floated around the idea of having
a machine that can

produce something for you to a more specific understanding
of what you can use these tools for with the excitement being located
in what you actually do with it. I really think that this is actually
a more exciting time in 3D printing than the last couple of years. I have been seeing more and more projects,
where instead of the need for every element of it to be 3D printed and
going through extreme efforts to solve any sort of problem with the tool you have
at hand, that people are now using a 3D printer in a context where they have other
tools and other ways to solve things. I'm seeing more clever solutions
using a 3D printer when people are faced with, I want to produce
the outer shell with this material. Maybe I have this already done, but
I need it to attach to this thing and there's

not really an off
the shelf solution for that, so I'm going to solve this right now by
measuring and 3D printing a solution. That coupled with all of the new
materials, that geometrically increases the capability of
a machine like a desktop 3D printer. And all of the excellent
3D printing services, including 3D hubs where you have a crowd sourced opportunity to work with other
individuals using machines like this. You're seeing more interesting problems
solved because the focus is shifting from like 3D printing is great, to I really
want to solve these problems in robotics, in design, in fashion, in construction. And these tools are helping
me do more than I could if I was only
using traditional tools. [SOUND] The question of whether
a desktop 3D printer really is or should be a consumer

product,
it comes up all the time. To some degree, there are many people
I know who never really will have an interest in designing and printing
their own objects, which is totally fine. But there is a couple of interesting
opportunities as you see more and more places, like universities and
local community centers, for people to have access to 3D printers
when they need them, even if they wouldn't think of themselves as somebody
really that focused on 3D printing. [SOUND] Right now,
there are more resources going online for 3D printing than ever before. In particular, a huge range of
tutorials created by individual users, as well as the companies producing
software tools and hardware tools. You can go online and find videos and tutorials for almost every
problem you might encounter and to

couple that with asking questions and
downloading completed projects from Thingiverse,
YouMagine, MyMiniFactory. Places where the people
sharing those parts have battle tested them and might even respond
to your questions if you're wondering like how this specific feature was produce. And that seems to be a key way to pick up the technical tools for how to do this kind of work and so
I would say that resource is fantastic but what you want to make sure you're
exploring as well is the design thinking. And you getting more of a sense of how
what you're working on might fit into a creative process going from
a concept to final piece. For that, taking advantage of classes
at local schools and after school programs and universities
that are really helping you to see not just how to solve

something
with the specific machine. [SOUND] Ultimaker has an incredibly
warm and inviting community. You can go to ultimaker.com to see the
site and learn about the recent products, but you want to make sure to go on into
the forums and go to YouMagine and see all these exciting projects that people
are doing and then sharing with the world. >> Thank you for your time, Matt. >> Yeah, thank you. >> Great job. [MUSIC] [SOUND]

[MUSIC] Hi. We're here at Sector 67 in Madison,
Wisconsin. We're here to talk with Chris Meyer,
the founder of Sector 67, and the guy who got me started
on my 3D printing journey. Let's go see if we can find Chris. [MUSIC] Is Chris here? >> Hey Eric.
>> Chris. >> Great to see you. >> Yeah, good to see you too. >> It's been a long time. Thanks for
taking the time to meet with us. >> No, thanks for coming on,
great to see you. >> Can you show us around? >> Yeah, absolutely. So this is Sector 67, we've made
no effort in making it look fancy. Basically, at any time of any day there's
a lot of different people in here, working on all kinds
of different projects. Here we can check out all the shops, and
you get a chance to see what's here. >> That's a great sign. >> Yeah, our sign actually is

sort of
representative of all the different workspaces. So, S is made in the machine shop. The E is all knit on a computer
controlled knitting machine. The 6 giant circuit board sota
kind of like our electronic shop. The seven is made on the laser cutter,
the laser engraver. And the O is actually all 3D printed. And the R is made in the wood shop. So these sort of show the different
workshops that we've got. And that's kind of what I'll
show you this afternoon. So there's a welding shop in here. And we've got a bunch of cutters,
and grinders, and sand blasters and welders and welders. And the different stock folks use for different products as they're
building metal things. So we need all these tools just to be
able to build anything out of metal. That's one of the challenges
with

traditional manufacturing, is you need a lot of equipment to be
able to build things and make stuff. >> And what kind of training
do you need to have to be able to operate this machinery? >> That's one of the challenges
with regular manufacturing, is you gotta come in. And rather than just sitting down and
getting started making things we gotta come in and go through how to keep
your eyes safe, keep your hands and fingers safe, keep yourself shielded from
all the ultra-violet light, the smoke, the fumes, the particulate. All kinds of things
coming off the equipment. And then after that we can start in
on how to actually use the tools and head back out this way. >> All right.
>> kind of make a big loop around >> Probably one of the most important things in this shop here is the failure
horn

and the good job bell. Both to celebrate both things. So you know if you do a good job
you gotta give it a ring and if you don't do such a good
job you get the fail horn. >> And which one is used more often? >> Usually the good job bell but the
failure horn gets rung once in a while. Okay.
>> So this is a laser cutter and a laser engraver. This machine is able to
make really cool stuff. >> So what does a laser cutter do? It takes a piece of material? >> Yeah, so
you've got to start off with, yeah. And this again is another disadvantage
of subtractive technology, is this actually came
out of this piece here. >> So
this is a piece of wood that was cut. Using a laser in that machine? >> Yeah, exactly. So this is a beam of light that comes
through, is focused on a very small spot and is able

to cut out, in this case,
particle board or wood. The advantage here is,
this is really fast. So you can put a sheet of material in
here and in a matter of minutes or seconds have your pieces versus
printing which is a little bit slower. You're going to take many hours to
print something that's this size. So that's one of the advantages
of this machine. >> So this is faster than a 3D printer? >> Exactly. >> What's the disadvantage
compared to a 3D printer? >> Assembly. So once this comes out of the machine,
if you want a 3D object, you've gotta go through and
put it all together. So this thing is an injection molder and
the plastic comes in, right into this hopper. >> Do you put the plastic inside here? >> Yep.
And then this piston pushes it down out this opening. And it goes right into

this. You can see this is a mold plate here for
our Sector 67 poker chip. You end up with these pellets
getting pushed into a mold chamber, taking the shape of the mold but
in a very quick fashion, curing, and then being pushed out of the mold. So every 17 seconds,
this small machine can make a poker chip. Unlike 3D printing where this would
take about 20 to 25 minutes to print the part this size. So the advantage to injection molding,
it's very fast. A disadvantage is it's the same part,
over and over. >> And
this is how most plastic things are made. >> Yeah, 99% of plastic objects
you've ever interacted with, they're probably made
in an injection molder. >> So there's a wood shop back here, and these guys are actually working on
making some dust stands for monitors. This is probably

America's number one
past time, is woodworking and carpentry. >> So this would be another example
of subtractive manufacturing? >> Yep, so
this is all subtractive manufacturing, so we've got to have a lot of stock laying
around, and have a lot of different tools to remove material from that
to get our final form of our part. The advantage here though is that
we can quickly make large parts, because we can start from a big piece and
we can remove pieces from it, and end up with a big piece quickly. >> Also, this looks quite dangerous. >> Yeah.
[LAUGH] Woodworking is certainly hazardous. You'll meet more than a few carpenters
who've had some issues with cutting tools before. So back here, we've got our 3D printing
lab, though we've got a whole pile of printers on the wall here,
starting up

from the very top. That's a Reprap,
it's a 3D printable 3D printer. These are cupcake model printers which
are the first generation maker bots all the way down to the third
generation maker bot. And then a variety of other machines that
are available like the Slollsbot printer and a bunch of other clones of essentially
this generation of open source technology. So the rest of the room,
we've got a number of sewing machines and embroidering machines. Back here there's an electronics lab. So we've got a bunch of
electronics work benches and a computer lab kind of down
the center of the room. We use this space for
education, for teaching. So we teach classes back here. We got a projector setup and a screen. And then we've got a number of work
stations so folks can learn 3D modeling, 3D

design, anything like that. And kind of directly behind
us is a machine shop. So this is sort of where a lot
of manufacturing came from. Originally, I've made
a rough casting of a part. And then you come back here, you use one
of these machines to finish work and make it smooth, clean it all up,
get it together. >> I think that's probably one of the
revolutionary aspects of 3D printing is, a machine like this,
due to the size and the cost, it wouldn't be accessible
to the average person. >> Yeah, exactly. And that's where a workshop like this,
you got a hacker space her with a lot of the tools that
are in-feasible to own in your own home. But the catch is you don't need them
that often, and often you can get away with using plastic or wooden parts
as opposed to making metal parts. And then

in the very back here there is
an office space or a business incubator. So this is where businesses come in. They're able to rent a desk and they're able to work here to
get their idea up and running. And so we've got a number of office users back here where they've
got their own workspace. So essentially, we kind of made
a big roof around Sector 67. We got a chance to see all
the different workshops that are here, all the different
workspaces that are here. And talk a little bit about where 3D
printing came from from my perspective and sort of where it's headed. So it's great to see you. >> Thank you for your time. >> Absolutely.
Thanks very much for coming out. >> Come on down the lab any time you like. >> Absolutely.
Thank you. >> Great thank you. [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] Let's begin our exploration of 3D printing
by getting out of the classroom and going to the street. We're going to go to two public libraries,
the New York Public Library in New York City and the Champaign Public
Library here in Champaign, Illinois to find out what real people think and
feel, About 3D printing technology. I think you'll find their
answers to be quite interesting. Come on, let's go. It's a bit cold out there,
so I better bundle up. All right, we're off. Have you ever heard of a 3D printing. >> Yes, I have. >> No, no, not exactly. >> Never.
>> Never. >> I've heard of it, yes. >> I've seen some stuff on the news. >> From Internet I guess and
actually seen in the retail stores they have the units on display,
so, my kids have it in school. >> I'm actually an

industrial
designer major. So we have MakerBot in my studios. >> I mean I've seen it on Facebook and
stuff. >> Can you tell us what you know? >> I know it's pretty cool. I don't know much about it though. >> It uses plastic in
order to make 3D objects. >> It's been programmed to follow
instructions that will print out actual physical material. >> It codes it to print going
up in three dimensions. >> Have you ever seen a 3D
printer make something? >> I have, and it's interesting. It's a little bit slow. >> No, only on the Internet
unfortunately [LAUGH]. >> No, not operating, just the end result. >> I've only seen one thing in person made
out of that and somebody had a little miniature little Tardis,
the little flying thing from Doctor Who. >> Yeah,
I've seen them like make weapons, toys.

I've heard like they tried to
make like houses or whatever. That's what I've heard, but
I don't know if it's true or not. >> It's true.
>> Do you have any idea how a 3D printer works? >> I don't and I've always been
amazed by the whole concept since printing always seemed to me
like a 2 dimensional venture. >> No. >> sort of. >> The cartridges are sort of like
a little plastic sort of thread, it looks like thread. >> Do you own a 3D printer? No. >> No. >> Can say I do actually. >> I do not own a 3D printer. >> It's too expensive right now. So I'm waiting for the right price. >> They seem kind of a little out there,
you know, in terms of price. >> We actually have an item that
was printed on a 3D printer. >> Can you guess what it s? >> A phone case. >> This is pretty neat. >> Yeah.
>>

Pretty neat. How do you do it? I mean, I don't, this is what I don't get. How do you take a computer and
make something solid? >> This came out of a printer? >> That came out of a printer. >> I can't believe it. >> How much do you think that
would cost to make that case? >> Five bucks? >> 25 cents. >> It's gotta be $5 a unit. >> 5 cents.
>> 5 cents. >> A quarter. >> $20? 20? >> Close. Actually, 50 cents. >> 50 cents, really? That's [LAUGH] okay. >> $300 for this? >> Close, actually. It's about 50 cents. >> 50 cents for this? [LAUGH]
>> 75 cents. >> Close.
50 cents. How does that sound? >> That sounds pretty amazing actually. >> 10 bucks? >> 50 cents. >> Okay.
>> You think it's more than 5 dollars? >> Yeah, I would think so for it. >> Actually, it's 50 cents. >> Really! Well I'm impressed

by that. >> If you had a 3D printer and
you could make anything. What would you make? >> Could I make it give me a tummy tuck. [LAUGH]
>> Probably something decorative for the wall maybe. >> The first thing that pops to mind
is an old 1950s refrigerator just for the heck of it. >> A house. >> I don't know maybe some holders for
my sport memorabilia and coin collection. >> A replicator like in Star Trek where
you could tell whatever food you wanted would be pretty awesome. >> I would make a printer that
would destroy all 3D printers. >> How do you think 3D printing will
impact our lives in the future? >> 3D printing you can 3D print
a lot of different thing. It would definitely make more things,
more affordable for people. >> I think it's one of those
things that my children will say, well

my mother lived through the computer
and a 3D printing and it's just awesome. >> I think I read last week they were
talking about printing organs and human tissue. And so
it has a lot more wide-ranging impacts. >> If we can go from 2D to 3D, that's
going to mean we're going to be able to do things at home that we otherwise would
have to fabricate in factories and other places. So it's going to have
economic implications. It's going to affect the job market. People who used to do things in
factories might be out of work, frankly. Have you ever heard of
the Illinois Makerlab. >> The Illinois what? >> No.
>> No. >> No. >> No.
>> I have not. >> No I have not. >> No. >> Never. >> I have not. >> I've heard about it, I've never
actually been there but I've seen kids and people interested in

those
things can go over there and use that material which is a pretty
cool resource for the area. [MUSIC]

Glossary

Here you will find a description of some of the key concepts, organizations, and technologies that we discuss in this course. If you would like us to add a description of something that we may have missed, please make a suggestion in our discussion forum.

Economies of scale.
  
  Economies of scale are the cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to size, output, or scale of operation, with cost per unit of output generally decreasing with increasing scale as fixed costs are spread out over more units of output. (Source:
  
   Wikipedia
  
  )

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).
  
  A common 3D printing technique that creates objects by melting filament and extruding it through a small nozzle that moves in three dimensions.

Fusion360.
  
  An advanced 3D modeling software

used for creating 3D printable designs.

Hackerspace.
  
  A place in which people with an interest in making things can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. (Source:
  
   Google Definitions
  
  )

MakerBot.
  
  One of the first desktop 3D printer manufacturers located in Brooklyn, NY. Its product line includes the Cupcake and Replicator 3D Printers.

Maker’s Marks.
  
  As a new experimental method developed by researchers at Stanford and the University of California, Maker’s Marks allows users to easily create 3D designs by using a combination of modeling clay and stickers.

PrintrBot.
  
  PrintrBot is a 3D printer company aimed at home users through its small size factor, low cost, and ease of assembly. (Source:
  
   Wikipedia
  
  )

Selective

Laser Sintering (SLS).
  
  A 3D printing technology that uses high intensity light to sinter a powdered material.

Soli.
  
  A Google project that will let users easily create 3D objects by moving their finger in space.

Stereolithography (SLA).
  
  A 3D printing technology which makes objects by using a high intensity light or a laser to harden a plastic resin.

Thingiverse.
  
  Founded by MakerBot in 2008, Thingiverse is a free online repository of 3D design files that can be downloaded and created on a 3D printer.

TinkerCad.
  
  The most accessible 3D modeling software that can create 3D printable designs.

Thermoplastic.
  
  Thermoplastic is a plastic, 3D printable material that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling. (Source:

Wikipedia
  
  )

Ultimaker.
  
  A 3D printer manufacturer with headquarters in Geldermalsen, Netherlands, Ultimaker started out as an open-source printer company, and its current product line includes the Ultimaker 2+, Ultimaker 2, and the Ultimaker Original. (Source:
  
   Wikipedia
  
  )

3D Printing Revolution Syllabus

Course Description

3D printing is exploding in popularity. Many people believe it will revolutionize our economy in many ways. In the coming years, 3D printing will change the way we live and alter the relation between firms and customers. In this course, we will explore this technology and examine its revolutionary impact. You will learn how 3D printers work, the type of things they can make, and how you can use this technology as an entrepreneur, business person, and consumer. We'll employ a variety of learning techniques, including video lectures, case studies, and interviews with 3D printing experts. Our learning approach will be highly interactive; you will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on activities and imagine a 3D printable

object that you can make. I hope you will join us in this exploration.

Course Goals and Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Obtain a rich understanding of 3D printing, including how it works and what you can make.

Explain the revolutionary advantages of 3D printing and the exciting future of this technology.

Examine several real-world examples and interviews by experts in the field to see 3D printing in action.

Obtain free digital designs that you can turn into 3D printed objects.

Textbook and Readings

There is no required textbook used in this course. We suggest
  
    3D Printing Will Rock the World
   
  by John Hornick (2015), but it is not required for this course.

Course Outline

This course consists of two modules that focus on

the revolution that has come from 3D printing technology.

Module 1: What Is 3D Printing?

Key Concepts:

3D Printing Insights

History of 3D Printing

How 3D Printing Works

3D Printing Software and Hardware

3D Printing Materials, Designs, and Applications

Module 2: Why Is It Revolutionary?

Why 3D Printing is Special

How 3D Printing Will Change Business

The Future of 3D Printing

Revolutionary Insights

Elements of This Course

The course is comprised of the following elements:

Lecture Videos.
    
    In each module the concepts you need to know will be presented through a collection of short video lectures. You may stream these videos for playback within your browser by clicking on their titles or by downloading the videos. You may also download the slides that go

along with the videos.

In-Video Questions
    
    . Some lecture videos have questions associated with them to help verify your understanding of the topics. These questions will automatically appear while watching the video if you stream the video through your browser. These questions do not contribute toward your final score in the class.

Practice Quizzes.
    
    Each module will include 1 practice quiz, intended for you to assess your understanding of the topics. You will be allowed unlimited attempts at each practice quiz. Each attempt may present a different selection of questions to you. There is no time limit on how long you take to complete each attempt at the quiz. These quizzes do not contribute toward your final score in the class.

Module Quizzes
    
    . Each module will

include 1 for-credit quiz. You will be allowed 3 attempts per every 8 hours at each quiz. There is no time limit on how long you take to complete each attempt at the quiz. Each attempt may present a different selection of questions to you. Your highest score will be used when calculating your final score in the class.

Peer Reviewed Assignments.
    
    Each module will include 1 peer reviewed exercise. You can attempt these assignments multiple times. Your highest score will be used when calculating your final score in the class.

How to Pass This Course

To qualify for a Course Certificate, simply start verifying your coursework at the beginning of the course and pay the fee. Coursera
  
   Financial Aid
  
  is available to offset the registration cost for learners with demonstrated

economic needs. If you have questions about Course Certificates,
  
   please see the help topics here
  
  .

If you choose not to pay the fee
  
  , you can still audit the course. You will still be able to view all videos, submit practice quizzes, and view required assessments. Auditing does not include the option to submit required assessments. As such, you will not be able to earn a grade or a Course Certificate.

The following table explains the breakdown for what is required in order to pass the class and qualify for a Course Certificate. You must pass each and every required activity in order to pass this course.

Activity

Required?

Number per module

Estimated time per module

% required to pass

Lecture Videos

Yes

10–15

2 hours

N/A

Practice Quizzes

No

0.25

hours

N/A

Yes

0.5 hours

80%

Peer Reviewed Assignments

Yes

1 hour

70%

Getting and Giving Help

You can get/give help via the following means:

Use the
    
      Learner Help Center
     
    to find information regarding specific technical problems. For example, technical problems would include error messages, difficulty submitting assignments, or problems with video playback. If you cannot find an answer in the documentation, you can also report your problem to the Coursera staff by clicking on the
    
     Contact Us!
    
    link available on each topic's page within the Learner Help Center.

Use the
    
      Course Suggestions
     
    forum to report errors in lecture video content, assignment questions and answers, assignment

grading, text and links on course pages, or the content of other course materials. University of Illinois staff and Community Mentors will monitor this forum and respond to issues.

Note: Due to the large number of learners enrolled in this course, I am not able to answer emails sent directly to my account. Rather, all questions should be reported as described above.

Here are a few stories from some of the Learners in The 3D Printing Revolution. I wanted to share them to give you a feel for what  people are learning in this course. Please share yours as well!

When I came to learn about this course, I immediately enrolled. I am really interested in 3d printing and I have also  published a few research papers. This course help me learn more about the 3D printing services which I  was not aware of.  I give 10/10 to this  course. It was amazing and I am enrolling for the next.

Thank you Aric! I enjoyed your class very much. All the content was very  easy to understand and follow. I love the fact that I can pick up the  materials on my phone or table through the app! Is very convenient.  Before this class I had no idea 3D printing had been around for so

long,  I thought it was newer, it's amazing to see all the different  applications it can be used for.

Thank you so much for introducing me to the world of 3D printing in the  course "The 3D Printing Revolution."  The course was fascinating and  inspirational. Looking forward to the next course.

I loved this course and teacher. He is very good at explain things. I really enjoyed this course.

I'd like to express my gratitude and appreciation to you, for helping me  getting started in the 3D printing world. Honestly, I took this course  out of curiosity, because I wanted to know how 3D printing work, now  after completing this course I feel that I have a solid base of  knowledge about this technology, I loved the most about this course is  your ability to deliver us with a wide range of

expertise and interviews  with the pioneers of the 3D printing world. That helped me to widen my  views on the topic.

This was a great intro to 3D Printing! I'm really looking forward to the  rest of the courses and especially the Software course.

This course has helped me understand about what 3D printing is and how  it can change the world completely in the near future. I especially  loved the different interviews that Aric did with the experts in this  course. It has helped me realize the tremendous potential this  technology holds and as Aric says that It can revolutionize our economy  and the way we do business.

This course really helped me to start more searching about 3D printing.  It gave me a lot of information, especially about other people's  experience with 3D printing and

how they turned their ideas into real  products designed specially for a particular person. That's what I like  most about 3D printing, CUSTOMIZATION.

This course was like a small journey for me. You visited all those  places, people and companies.

I am so happy to be one of your students. I have finished this course and I feel that I am sailing in the 3d printing industry because your course  opened my eyes to take action in  this industry revolution.

About the Discussion Forums

Expectations

With the large number of learners in this course, no one is expected to read every post made within the discussion forums. Rather, read those that seem interesting to you and reply when you can further the conversation. Above all, you are expected to remain civil and treat all other learners with respect. Failure to do so will result in your removal from the course.

Helpful Tools

Searching for Posts

You can search for a post by using the
  
   search box
  
  at the top of any individual forum or the
  
   All Course Discussions
  
  page. It may be helpful to see if your topic or question has already been covered before posting. If so, you can reply to that thread instead of starting a new one. You can also click on someone's name in the

forums (including your own) to see all of the posts that have been made by that person.

Upvoting Posts

When you view any post, you will see an
  
   Upvote
  
  button under each post. Click the button to draw attention to thoughtful, interesting, or helpful posts. In the course feedback forums, upvoting will ensure that important questions get addressed. The upvoting system is the best way elevate the best posts to be seen by other learners and University of Illinois staff.

Reporting Inappropriate Posts

Please report any posts that are abusive, offensive, that infringe upon copyright, or that otherwise violate
  
   Coursera’s Honor Code
  
  by using the
  
   Report this
  
  option found under the menu arrow to the right of each post.

Following

If you find a particular thread to

be interesting to you, click the
  
   Follow
  
  button under the original post of that thread page to receive email notifications when new posts are made.

Improving Your Posts

The forums are your chance to interact with thousands of like-minded individuals on these topics. Getting their attention is one way to do well in this course. In any social interaction, certain rules of etiquette are expected and contribute to more enjoyable and productive communication. The following are tips for interacting in this course via the forums, adapted from guidelines originally compiled by AHA! and Chuq Von Rospach & Gene Spafford:

Search the other posts to see if your topic is already covered. If it is, reply to that thread instead of starting a new one.

Post in the most appropriate forum for

your topic, and do not post the same thing in multiple forums.

Use a meaningful title for your thread.

Be civil. If you disagree, explain your position with respect and refrain from any and all personal attacks.

Stay on topic. In particular, don’t change the subject in the middle of an existing thread – just start a new topic.

Make sure you’re understood, even by non-native English speakers. Try to write full sentences, and avoid text-message abbreviations or slang. Be careful when you use humor and sarcasm as these messages are easy to misinterpret.

If asking a question, provide as much information as possible, what you’ve already considered, what you’ve already read, etc.

Cite appropriate references when using someone else’s ideas, thoughts, or words.

Do not use a forum to promote

your product, service, or business.

Do not post personal information about other posters in the forum.

Ignore spammers and report them.

For more details, refer to Coursera's
  
    Code of Conduct
   
  .

Updating Your Profile

Please consider
  
   updating your profile
  
  , which can also be accessed by clicking the
  
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  link in the menu that appears when you click on the arrow next to your initials at the top-right corner of this screen. When people find you in the forums, they can click on your name to view your complete profile and get to know you better!

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Looks like you found a page that does not exist or the URL was mistyped by accident.

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Social Media

Learning takes place not only through course instruction but also through quality interaction with your peers. Research suggests that participating in a learning community around your interests and passions helps you stay motivated to learn. Thus, we encourage you to use our various social media platforms to connect with thousands of your peers from across the world. Learn from others, network, create study groups, discuss interesting course topics, and share your own perspectives about this topic. You can even set up or get notified about physical meetups on so that you can enhance your learning by interacting face-to-face with others who share your interests. The more active these communities are, the more value they will bring to all of us. So, we hope that you take a

leading role in keeping these communities active and of value to all of us, so please join your preferred platform and share your ideas!

Connect to your classmates via the following social media sites related to our 3D Printing courses. Use the hashtags #ideas2objects and #3dprinting

Facebook : 3DPrintingProfs

Twitter @3dprintingprofs

Google+

LinkedIn

Pinterest

You may also be interested in the following social media sites:

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on Facebook

@Illinois_Alma on Twitter

@Illinois Business on Twitter

@Illinois MakerLab on Twitter

Coursera on Facebook

@Coursera on Twitter

If you find another social media page or community related to this course, feel share it in our discussion forums.

NOTE: Please do not post links to copyrighted materials in

the Coursera discussion forums or on social networks. Doing so is a violation of the
   
    Coursera Terms of Service
   
   .

The goal of this second exercise is to give you some experience remixing objects. In essence, a digital iPhone case is really not much different than a digital iTunes song. So, now you can remix objects just as easily as you can remix music. My hope is by engaging in this remixing activity, you will gain a firsthand understanding of the revolutionary potential of 3D printing.

To engage in this remixing exercise, we will be using
  
   Thingiverse
  
  . As we discussed earlier, Thingiverse is essentially an iTunes store for objects. However, in addition to downloading designs made by others, you can also remix many of these designs using its Customizer feature.

Open
    
     Thingiverse
    
    and create an account if you do not already have one.

Find a Customizable design that you

would like to remix (you can easily find customizable designs under the "Create" menu bar.

Click on this object.

Once it is open, click on the  "Open in Customizer" to the right of the image.

The design will show up with some menu which will allow you to change parameters for the design. This is 'Remixing'

Once you are done, hit the blue "Create Thing" button on the top right of the image.

Save and
    
     publish
    
    your remixed design on Thingiverse.
    
     (Note: It may take up to 24 hours before your Thing is published).

On the
    
     My submission
    
    tab, record the Thing number for your remixed design, state why you picked this design to remix, and briefly discuss your thoughts and feeling about this remixing process.

You may save a draft of your work as

you go, and you can come back later to continue working on your draft. When you are finished working, click the
  
   Preview
  
  button, verify your identity, and then click
  
   Submit for review
  
  to submit the assignment.

Review criteria

You are required to evaluate the submissions of
  
   at least THREE
  
  of your peers based on the instructions and rubric provided. You may begin giving feedback to other students as soon as you submit your assignment; click the
  
   Review classmates
  
  tab to begin. Feel free to provide additional reviews beyond the three required!

Every submission will need to include the following.

The thing number for your remixed design

Why you picked this design to be remixed

Your thoughts about the remixing process

Each part of the submission

will be graded on the following scale:

The Thing number for your remixed design

0 points:
    
    Does not provide the required information

1 point:
    
    Provides the required information

0 points:
    
    Does not provide the required information or does not answer the question

1 points:
    
    Answers the question but has less than 25 words

2 points:
    
    Answers the question and has 25 words or more

0 points:
    
1 point:
    
2 points:
    
Overview

In this module, you will learn what is special about 3D printing and how this technology will change the business world and revolutionize our economy.

Time

This module should take
  
   approximately 3.25 hours
  
  of dedicated time to complete, with its videos and assignments.

Reading

Garcia, M (2015).
  
   How to keep 3D printing revolutionary
  
  .
  
   Time
  
  .

Feel free to find other readings or resources and share them in the forums.

Lessons

The lessons for this module are listed below (with assignments in bold italics):

Lesson Title

Estimated Time Required

An Early Look at the Coming Revolution

30 minutes

The 3D Printing Revolution: Facts & Concepts

30 minutes

Module 2 Practice Quiz

15 minutes

Remixing Products

Exercise

40 minutes

The Revolutionaries

60 minutes

Module 2 Quiz

15 minutes

Goals and Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Describe the revolutionary advantages of 3D printing.

Understand how 3D printing is being used to change the way in which products are made and sold.

Key Phrases/Concepts

Keep your eyes open for the following key terms or phrases as you interact with the lectures and complete the activities. For definitions of the terms, please see the
  
    Glossary
   
  .

Economics of scale

Maker’s Marks

Soli

Use the
    
    to find information regarding specific technical problems. For example, technical

problems would include error messages, difficulty submitting assignments, or problems with video playback. If you cannot find an answer in the documentation, you can also report your problem to the Coursera staff by clicking on the
    
Use the
    
    forum to report errors in lecture video content, assignment questions and answers, assignment grading, text and links on course pages, or the content of other course materials. University of Illinois staff and community TAs will monitor this forum and respond to issues.

Congratulations on completing the course! At
  
   Gies College of Business
  
  , one of our strategic priorities is to democratize education.

Through our online degree programs, we're committed to creating life-changing access to a business education through a powerful, engaging online experience. Gies faculty experts engage with students from around the world, face-to-face in a digital classroom.

We invite you to learn more about our digital classroom and five ways you can access our online degree programs:
  
   https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/graduate-hub/online/

Looking to have a company create your 3D printing design? Here are some links below.

3D Hubs:
  
   3D Hubs

Shapeways:
  
   Shapeways

Looking to purchase a 3D printer? Here is a link that compares 3D printer options.

3D
Printing Buying Guide:
  
   Make Magazine 3D
Printer Buying Guide (2015)

University of Illinois MakerLab Page:

Illinois MakerLab:
  
   Illinois MakerLab : The worlds first 3d printing lab in a
Business school

Ultimaker Links:

Ultimaker Community Forum:
  
   https://ultimaker.com/en/products/cura-software

Ultimaker YouTube Channel:
  
   Ultimaker
YouTube Channel

Champaign-Urbana Fab Lab Information:

CU Fab Lab:
  
   Champaign-Urbana Fab Lab

List of Hackerspaces Throughout the World:

Hackerspaces:
  
   Hackerspaces

Tinkercad:
  
   Tinkercad

Fusion 360:
  
   Fusion
360

Cura Slicing Software:
  
Here are some of my favorite books and articles about 3D Printing:

Books

3D Printing will Rock the World
   
  by John Hornick

Fabricated
   
  by Hod Lipson & Melba Kurman

Makers
   
  by Chris Anderson

Articles

3D Opportunity
   
  by Mark Cotteleer & Jim Joyce

3-D Printing will Change the World
   
  by Richard D'Aveni

Are you Ready for 3D Printing?
   
  by Daniel Cohen, Kathy George & Colin Shaw

The Printed World
   
  by The Economist

What Lies Ahead for 3-D Printing?
   
  by Elizabeth Royte

About the iMBA

Program Details

Get Started

Get Information

Apply

Contact the Team

Overview

In this module, you will learn what 3D printing is, how 3D printers work, and the type of objects you can make using this revolutionary new technology.

Time

Reading

3DPrinting.com. (n.d.).
  
   What is 3D printing?

Feel free to find other readings or resources and share them with others in our discussion forums.

Lessons

60 minutes

What Would You Make? Exercise

30 minutes

3D Printing: Facts & Concepts

30 minutes

Module 1 Practice Quiz

15 minutes

More 3D Printing

Insights

45 minutes

Module 1 Quiz

15 minutes

Understand what 3D printing is.

Explain how 3D printing works.

Describe the types of things you can make with a 3D printer.

    Glossary
   
  .

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fusion360

Hackerspace

MakerBot

PrintrBot

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Stereolithography (SLA)

Thingiverse

TinkerCad

Thermoplastic

Ultimaker

Use the
    
to find information regarding specific technical problems. For example, technical problems would include error messages, difficulty submitting assignments, or problems with video playback. If you cannot find an answer in the documentation, you can also report your problem to the Coursera staff by clicking on the
    
Use the
    
This first exercise is designed to get you to think about making. By doing this, I am hoping to stimulate your imagination. Being able to imagine yourself as a maker is the most important aspect of the entire 3D printing process because in order to make something, you first need to imagine it.

This assignment will require you to use a video camera.
  
  You can just use a web camera on your computer, but other methods are also acceptable.

Access your video camera (on your computer, laptop, or phone) and record a video of yourself.

Tell us your name and where you are from.

Tell us what you would like to make using 3D printing technology.

Tell us why you want to make this.

Record and post your video by following the instructions below, then post the URL of your video on the

My submission
    
    tab.

You may save a draft of your work as you go, and you can come back later to continue working on your draft. When you are finished working, click the
  
   Preview
  
Every submission will need to include the following:

Your name

What you would make

Why you want to make this

Each of the three parts of

the submission (see above) will be graded on the following scale:

0 points:
    
1 point:
    
Note:
  
  To pass this assignment, you need a total score of
  
   3 points
  
  .

How to Record and Post Your Video

The steps below describe how to record, upload, and submit
your video for this exercise.

If you would like to keep your video private and visible
only to other learners in this course, pay special attention to steps 7 and 8. If
not, we plan to showcase some Learner stories on our social media platforms and
on
  
   our
website
  
  .

Record
     your short video introduction using a computer camera, cell phone camera,
     or any other recording device that will allow you to save a digital

video
     to your computer. If you are using a cell phone, record the video holding the longer side of the phone parallel to the ground(landscape mode).

Save
     your video to your computer.

Go
     to
    
     http://youtube.com
    
    and
     create an account, if you don't already have one. If you do not wish to be
     identified, create a new account with a pseudonym. (Note: for those users
     who cannot access YouTube, there are a number of other video sites that
     will work for this assignment, such as
    
     ToDou
    
    or
    
     Youku
    
    in China. However, the rest of these
     instructions are specific to YouTube.)

Sign
     in, and then click on the Upload button at the top of the page.

Click
     on the "Select files to upload" in the middle of

the screen and
     then locate and click on your video to upload it.

Go to
     your "Video Manager" page.

Select
     the video you want to make “unlisted”. Click the "Edit" button
     to access the video's settings.

Go to
     the Privacy section of the page. There you'll see the option to mark your
     video as "unlisted", "public", or "private."
     Select "unlisted". By selecting "unlisted," your video
     will be hosted by YouTube but cannot be found by searching on YouTube;
     however, it will be accessible on Coursera once you embed a link.
    
     Be sure not to selecting
     "private", as that will prevent your classmates from seeing and
     reviewing your video.
    
    If you have problems with setting your video as
     "unlisted,”, see YouTube's
    
     help

page.

Click
     the "Save Changes" button. Once you've done this, your video
     will be an "unlisted" video. This is available only to people in
     this class. Please respect the privacy of others; do not share other
     people's URLs unless you have their written permission!

Copy
     the URL from your video and paste it into the URL field of the My
     submission tab.

(optional) If you would like to share your story with other learners on social media, use the URL and visit any of our
    
     social media websites and share.

Give
     your project a title and click on the Save or Preview button at the bottom
     of the page.

If you have trouble with platforms other than YouTube,
please look at the support pages for the individual platform or post a message in
the

discussion
thread
  
  setup for video troubleshooting.

Please remember, the assignment should be in English to make
it easier for your peer reviewer (who might be from any country in the world)
to grade.

Have fun!

3D Printing 
Trend Report 20231 / 30
EU +31 85 888 7380
US +1 845-402-8321press@hubs.com
www.hubs.com3D Printing  
Trend Report 2023
www.hubs.com
Market insights and forecasts  
in additive manufacturing

Trend Report 20232 / 30
www.hubs.com2 / 30Key findings
The uptake of 3D printing in manufacturing is continuing to grow, with more engineers using 
3D printing more frequently and for higher volume orders. This signals that its evolution from 
a hobbyist technology to an industrial manufacturing solution is only gaining momentum. 
Further fueling its mainstream adoptions, new innovations in composites, AI and shape-morphing  
systems are presenting new potential applications.
Trend Report 2023EU +31 85 888 7380
www.hubs.com83%
of respondents believe 3D printing 
helped them save substantial costs  
in their manufacturing pipeline$19.9bn
in predicted 3D printing market growth 
in

2023, an increase of 17%
56%
of survey participants named FDM 
the most frequently used additive 
technology
of businesses produced 10+ parts 
in their production runs, up from 
49% in 202176%71%
of businesses surveyed  
used 3D printing more  
in 2022 than in 2021

Trend Report 20233 / 30
www.hubs.comTable of contents
From fiction to fabrication: A brief history of 3D printing 4
Recent technology trends and advances in 3D printing 6
3D printing market growth and predictions 8
3D printing's impact on key industries 11
Five industries 3D printing is driving forward 15
Future of 3D printing 17
Green by design: Additive manufacturing and sustainability 22
The shape of things to come 24
How we created this report 25
References 28

Trend Report 20234 / 30
Our 2023 report explores the latest trends and advancements in 3D printing technology, 
touching upon the market growth and future projections. We will also discuss the current 
applications of additive manufacturing (AM), identify the key industries that rely on this 
technology, and delve into its future prospects. Furthermore, we will examine the impact 
of 3D printing on sustainability. But first, let’s take a brief journey through the history that 
has shaped this innovation.
Many scientific innovations have roots in science fiction, and 3D printing is no exception. 
The earliest concept resembling modern additive manufacturing appeared in a 1945 short 
story by William Fitzgerald

Jenkins (pen name Murray Leinster) called “Things Pass By.” 
The tale described a machine that created objects from magnetronic plastics, planting  
the seeds of 3D printing in the minds of the general public.
Several decades later, in the early 1970s, Johannes F. Gottwald filed the first patent for 
a process called liquid metal recorder.[01] The concept involved producing objects from 
liquified metal, which solidified layer by layer.
In 1980, Dr. Hideo Kodama expanded upon Gottwald's idea by proposing the use of 
thermosetting polymers instead of metal.[02] He also suggested using ultraviolet (UV) light 
to cure photopolymers, a process now known as stereolithography (SLA). Dr. Kodama 
filed a patent application for his UV curing-based rapid prototyping technique in Japan, 
but was

unable to secure a patent internationally.
Hideo Kodama's early patent of a house fabricated by 3D printer, image via IEICEFrom fiction to fabrication
A brief history of 3D printing

Trend Report 20235 / 30
www.hubs.comCharles Hull later filed a patent for SLA in 1986. His company, 3D Systems Corporation, 
released the world’s first commercially available 3D printer, the SLA-1.[03] In addition to this 
landmark achievement, Hull also invented the STL file format still in use today.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, 3D printing began to demonstrate potential in various 
industries including bioengineering. What made 3D printing truly mainstream, however, 
was Adrian Bowyer’s RepRap Project, which launched in 2005.[04] Short for Replicating 
Rapid Prototyper, RepRap’s objective was to develop a machine capable of building most 
of its own parts, making the technology more accessible and affordable.
The

outcome was the RepRap 1.0 Darwin machine, which could print several of its own 
components required for the assembly. This breakthrough made 3D printing accessible  
to hobbyists, researchers, and small businesses alike.
The expiry of key 3D printing patents, starting with Fused Deposition Modelling  
(FDM) in 2009 and followed by Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and SLA in the 2010s,  
led to accelerated growth and development in the additive manufacturing industry.  
The elimination of licensing fees reduced printer development and production costs, 
allowing more companies to enter the market and spurring competition and innovation.
As ownership of desktop 3D printers grew, Bram de Zwart, Brian Garret, and Filemon 
Schöffer founded 3D Hubs in 2013.[05] The online platform connected

people requiring 
3D printing services with local printer owners. Users could upload their 3D models to the 
platform and have them produced at affordable prices. As more professional engineers 
used the platform for product development, the business rebranded as Hubs and pivoted 
to connecting mechanical engineers with a qualified network of manufacturing partners 
to provide broader capabilities.
Today, additive manufacturing is a mature technology, with steady growth in consumer 
interest and industrial applications. Recent advancements in 3D printing focus on 
refinements such as speed, scale, efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability,  
which we will cover in the next section.
Hubs ' distributed manufacturing network is made up 
of 240+ suppliers, spread across 4 continents

Trend Report 20236 / 30
www.hubs.comRecent technology trends and advances  
in 3D printing
Starting with hardware advancements, there have been significant developments in  
the large-format metal AM space. For instance, SLM Solutions is building a laser-powder 
bed fusion (LPBF) system with a 1.5-meter Z-axis[06] for the US Air Force, which will use 
multiple lasers to produce large-scale metal parts and could become the largest laser 
fusion-based printer. Large-scale composite specialist Caracol is also developing a near-
net-shape metal wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) system, which uses metal wire 
feedstock and a robotic welding arm to create large structures or repair metal parts.[07]
There are also new

developments in extrusion technologies; Belgian startup Sculpman  
has patented a variable nozzle. It uses a rectangular nozzle hole, which can be adjusted  
to control the layer width throughout the build, resulting in faster deposition rates without 
compromising quality.[08]
Looking next at materials, there is an ever-growing variety of engineering thermoplastics 
and resins, composites, polymer powders, and metal powders. Electrostatic discharge 
(ESD) resins are opening up applications in electronics, damping elastomer resins in 
wearables, and flame retardant materials in transport and other industries.WAAM 5-axis wire arc additive manufacturing for large metal parts, image via GEFERTEC

Trend Report 20237 / 30
www.hubs.comSoftware developments are driving forward many of the major technology milestones  
in 3D printing. In FDM, there have been breakthroughs in non-planar printing, with 
GCODE generation software enabling the printing of curved lines to minimize ladder 
effect, eliminate supports for overhangs, and improve vertical strength.[09]
In an industrial context, automation is top of mind. Print speed, quality, and consistency 
are advancing thanks to greater process automation, including slicer optimization, smart 
part orientation, batch layouts, and post-processing. Workflow automation is also vital 
and there are a growing number of software solutions that link and automate the various 
stages in

the 3D printing production chain. A fully automated workflow ultimately enables 
lights-out 3D printing, with factories that require little to no human supervision.
Broadly speaking, 3D printing has experienced something of a reverse evolution of sorts; 
starting off as a mostly hobbyist and DIY technology, the technology is now maturing and 
realizing its industrial potential.
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is capable of 3D printing complex and organic part geometries in a range  
of metal materials

Trend Report 20238 / 30
www.hubs.comIn 2022, the average estimated market size, which included revenue from 3D printing 
systems, software, materials, and services, reached $17 billion at an annual growth 
rate of 13%. Our previous report had predicted a market size of $18.3 billion with an 
annual growth rate of 21%, based on our internal intelligence and averages of the CAGR 
projections from the industry's top 10 market analyst firms.
Bear in mind that most market analyst firms do not report data on an annual basis.  
As a result, their 2023 predictions still rely on a CAGR of 21%. However, considering  
that the growth in 2022 was less robust than we initially anticipated, we have adjusted  
our 2023 predictions to

reflect a revised annual growth rate of 17%. Based on our 
calculations, we now forecast a market size of $19.9 billion for 2023.
Our most recent survey from February 2023, involving 1,035 participants, highlights the 
market growth. The majority of respondents, 71%, revealed they 3D printed more parts  
in 2022 than they did in 2021, while only 8% printed fewer parts during the same period.3D printing market growth and predictions
Figure 1: Quantity of parts 3D printed in 2022
Q: How many 3D printed parts did you source/produce in 2022? 
Source: Hubs survey, conducted February 2023, n=1035
 More parts than in 2021
 Fewer parts than in 2021  
 Same as in 2021
71%21%8%

Trend Report 20239 / 30
www.hubs.comPolymer and metal 3D printing updates
According to the latest report from AM Power, the industrial metal additive manufacturing 
market experienced a growth of over 20% in 2022 and was valued at more than €3 billion.[10] 
The technology is predicted to grow even further in the coming years with a compound 
annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 30% until 2027.[11] Meanwhile, the polymer AM 
market is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 13%, with a starting value  
of EUR 6.5 billion in 2022.
Despite the faster growth in the metal AM market, the polymer AM market still generated 
over twice the revenue compared to its metal counterpart. This trend is reflected in our 
survey as

well, with polymer 3D printing processes clearly taking the lead over metal  
3D printing technologies.
Within each of these printing technologies, the advancement of post-processing options 
is helping drive adoption. Polymer 3D printing, including SLA and SLS, often requires  
a process like vapor smoothing to improve the surface finish. An additional post-processing 
step is also often critical in metal 3D printing. In a recent survey, global digital manufacturer  
Protolabs  learned more than two-thirds of DMLS customers required some level of 
surface finishing on their parts. Protolabs acquired Hubs in 2021 to offer an even more 
comprehensive online manufacturing solution to engineers, including a variety of post-
processing options.  
Figure 2: Most favored 3D printing method
Q:

Which 3D printing method do you primarily use for part manufacturing?                                             
10%20%56%
8.8%
2.8%
1.7%
0.7%SLSSLAFDM
MJF
SLM
DMLS
EBM

Trend Report 202310 / 30
www.hubs.com“3D printers have evolved to accommodate large part sizes, fast speeds and a growing 
library of materials that fit a variety of applications, but post-processing is often a necessary 
step to strengthen or improve the cosmetic appearance of parts,” Protolabs Applications 
Engineer, Eric Utley said. “Fortunately, the innovation we are seeing in these downstream 
processes is becoming both more effective and automated, greatly increasing the scale  
of the additive industry.”
3D printer market updates
Market analysis firm CONTEXT reported a notable increase in 3D printer revenue, 
even though global shipments declined by 4% during the same period.[12] The research 
organization attributes

the 14% rise in system sales revenue during Q3 2022 to inflationary 
pressures that led to price increases across all categories, bolstering revenue. In contrast, 
the firm discovered that unit shipments, particularly sub-$2,500 “personal” 3D printers, 
dropped significantly due to demand and supply chain issues. Despite the overall growth 
in revenue, CONTEXT reported only a modest 2% increase in industrial shipments between  
Q3 2021 and Q3 2022, with metal units rising by 4% while polymer machines declined by 
2%. This trend of high revenue and low-volume sales is predicted to persist through 2023.
SLS printers at Protolabs' additive manufacturing facility in the U.S.

Trend Report 202311 / 30
www.hubs.com3D printing's impact on key industries
This section highlights the primary applications of 3D printing and the key industries 
that have embraced this innovative technology. By examining how various sectors have 
integrated 3D printing into their operations, we can better understand its versatility  
and potential for future growth. 
 
Main applications for 3D printing
 
1. Prototyping
Developing a sample product to assess design and functionality before full-scale 
production was the first real use for 3D printing, and still represents a significant share.  
In our survey, 66% of respondents said they use 3D printing for prototyping because  
it helps speed up product development times.

New designs or features can be iterated, 
tested, and validated with greater agility.
2. Tooling
Tooling involves creating specialized equipment for production. With its ability to produce 
tools, jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids on demand, 3D printing can enhance conventional 
production lines by minimizing machine downtime, increasing production agility, and  
unlocking custom solutions. At its facility in Poland, for example, Toyota has reaped the 
benefits of using AM for tooling, citing agility, faster lead times, and design freedom  
as the three main benefits.[13]
Figure 3: Top 3D printing applications
Q: What’s your main use for 3D printing?                                            
21%66%
6.4%
6%
0.3%
0.3%End-use

Trend Report 202312 / 30
www.hubs.com3. Low-volume production
When producing a limited number of units meant for niche markets, 3D printing presents 
an economically viable method. It empowers manufacturers to offer limited-edition products  
and spare parts production, all while minimizing costs typically associated with inventory 
and storage. Toyota also uses HP 3D printing to print replacement parts on demand as 
well as short-run end-use components.[14] 
4. Mass customization
For mass customization, where products are tailored to individual customers without 
compromising high output levels, 3D printing is the ideal manufacturing method.  
CAD files can be modified depending on customer needs and printed in batches for

efficient and custom production. Dental aligner molds are a perfect example of this.[15] 
Tech startup Formify also uses 3D printing to produce custom ergonomic computer  
mice based on images of the customers’ hands.[16] 
 
4. Serial production
Serial production is a process of creating multiple identical products, in succession,  
for high efficiency. As workflows are increasingly digitalized and automated, it is easier  
for manufacturers to produce parts round-the-clock. In 3D printing, serial production  
is especially viable for small parts because several of them can fit into a single build.  
For example, Protolabs leverages a fleet of 150 3D printers, turning out as many as  
1 million parts per year for its clients.
Figure 4: Size of 3D printing production runs
Q: What was the

size of your 3D printing production runs in 2022?                                              
24%
27%
24%
20%
5%1-10 parts
11-50 parts
51-100 parts
101-1000 parts
1001+ parts

Trend Report 202313 / 30
www.hubs.comPrimary industries
 
1. Aerospace
Aerospace was among the first adopters of additive manufacturing. The technology’s 
propensity for low-volume production as well as its design freedom have created 
opportunities for aerospace OEMs over the years. One of the primary reasons aerospace 
manufacturers have been so enthusiastic about 3D printing is that it allows them to produce  
more lightweight components, which improve aircraft fuel efficiency. Jet engines, structural  
aircraft parts, and interior cabin components are just some of the parts that 3D printing  
is used for today.
Aerospace components can undergo design optimization, and larger assemblies can be 
consolidated into fewer

parts. 3D printing also empowers aerospace OEMs to accelerate 
development and production cycles, eliminating the need for tooling by directly producing  
functional end-use parts in metal or engineering-grade polymers. 
Aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers are also turning to AM  
to improve operations. In 2022, GE Aviation’s Loyang facility in Singapore became the first 
MRO site to receive approval for using metal additive manufacturing to repair commercial 
jet engine components, reportedly cutting repair times in half.[17]  
Metal 3D printers line the factory floor at Protolabs

Trend Report 202314 / 30
www.hubs.com2. Automotive
The implementation of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry has evolved 
substantially over the last three decades. Today, various 3D printing processes are used 
for rapid prototyping, tooling, customization, spare-part manufacturing, and series 
production.
Automotive manufacturers, including BMW, GM, Ford, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz, 
have benefited from 3D printing. Some have found revenue opportunities by bringing to 
market exclusive luxury products. The Cadillac CELESTIQ, unveiled in late 2022, is an 
“all-electric, ultra-luxury flagship” that integrates 115 3D printed end-use components. It 
is hailed by GM as its most technologically advanced Cadillac

vehicle.[18] Bentley Motors 
recently became the first automotive brand to 3D print solid gold details for the Batur.[19]
There is also a growing automotive trend to explore 3D printing for serial mass production. 
This is enabled by advances in digitalized workflows and automation. BMW participated 
in the IDAM project, which successfully built fully automated production lines driven by 
metal 3D printing. These production lines are capable of turning out 50,000 components 
per year.[20] The successful pilot project demonstrates AM’s potential for industrial, high-
volume production for automotive.
3. Medical
3D printing has helped to advance diagnostic and treatment solutions in the medical 
sector. Today, the technology is used in the production of patient-specific implants,

prosthetics, surgical guides and instruments, anatomical models, dental products, and  
more. Additive manufacturing allows for easy customization (with a patient’s medical scans  
being translated into printable models) and can be used for point-of-care production. 
The technology provides a high degree of agility. In Ukraine, for instance, there are 
efforts underway to deliver much-needed 3D printed custom implants, suture anchors 
(used for re-attaching soft tissue, like tendons or ligaments, to bone), and other medical 
instruments to hospitals on the front line.[21]
In the dental segment, 3D printing is now well integrated–particularly vat polymerization, 
which accounts for 60% of the dental 3D printing share.[22] Dental and orthodontist labs 
rely on technology to produce custom

crowns and bridges, dentures, implants, surgical 
guides, and more. Many of the leading clear aligner brands use 3D printing to create 
custom molds for their clients’ aligners rapidly.[23]

Trend Report 202315 / 30
www.hubs.comFive industries 3D printing is driving forward
There is potential for 3D printing in all industries, but some have been keener adopters 
than others. Here are five industries that are exploring 3D printing and are on the cusp  
of transformation. 
 
1. Food
3D printed food has been around for quite some time: printed pizzas, chocolate, and 
candy laid the groundwork for what is happening in the field today. The technology,  
which is being adapted for printing meat substitutes as well as cultivated meat, has 
enormous potential for reducing reliance on intensive animal farming. Printed food could 
also be embedded with custom nutrient profiles to benefit medical patients or the elderly.
2.

Fashion
3D printing’s impact on fashion is gaining traction, particularly in footwear. Adidas famously  
brought running shoes with 3D printed midsoles to market,[24] but they are not the only 
company pushing the boundary. At Paris Fashion Week 2023, multiple 3D printed shoes 
were featured on the runway (Reebok x BOTTER [25], Maison Dior [26]). Beyond footwear, 
there are also explorations of 3D printed textiles led by designers like Julia Koerner, Anouk 
Wipprecht, and Bastian Müller. In fashion, 3D printing enables greater design freedom, 
customization, local production, and less material waste.
The Met Gala 2019 featured a 3D printed dress by Zac Posen in collaboration with Protolabs and GE Additive

Trend Report 202316 / 30
www.hubs.com3. Motorsports
Speedier production cycles, low-volume capacity, and design freedom are driving  
3D printing’s adoption in motorsports. Teams from NASCAR, Formula 1, and MotoGP 
are printing prototypes, tools, and end-use components with the aim of creating more 
lightweight and aerodynamic cars. Many motorsport teams are now using 3D printing 
in some capacity. Stratasys recently signed a partnership with NASCAR [27] and has also 
worked extensively with F1 team McLaren, while composite 3D printing company Roboze 
supported Ducati throughout the 2022 MotoGP season.[28]
4. Healthcare
Point-of-care 3D printing in healthcare settings will transform the industry, providing  
more

customization, efficiency, and better patient outcomes. Bioprinting is another 
avenue that is poised to disrupt healthcare. Bioprinting human cells in hydrogel will help 
tissue engineering evolve, particularly in regenerative medicine and drug development 
testing. While bioprinting is still very much in R&D, there is notable interest from 
pharmaceutical companies, who could benefit from accelerated drug testing.[29]
5. Aerospace
3D printing is linked to the aerospace industry in many ways. It is used in space to produce 
spare parts, in the production of satellites, to explore the possibility of printing lunar and 
Martian habitats and to produce rocket engines. In the case of the latter, AM is helping 
space launch startups, such as Relativity, to accelerate rocket production thanks

to part 
consolidation and optimized design. Relativity’s first fully 3D printed rocket, the Terran 1, 
is set to have its first launch in 2023.[30]
Exo Prosthetic Leg, image via William Root

Trend Report 202317 / 30
www.hubs.comFuture of 3D printing
The future of 3D printing is unfolding layer by layer, much like the objects it produces.  
In this section, we explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart materials 
on the additive manufacturing industry. To get insights into how these advanced 
technologies are simplifying design and production workflows, improving efficiency,  
and enabling the creation of adaptive products, we reached out to experts in the industry. 
Here are their insights on where the industry’s heading.
AI-assisted 3D printing
 
Additive Manufacturing (AM) and AI are revolutionizing their respective fields.  
3D printing has transformed manufacturing and design, while AI tools

like ChatGPT, 
MidJourney, and Stable Difusion are changing the media landscape by generating art, 
articles, and stories with simple text input. The potential for innovation is limitless when 
3D printing and AI converge.
Quality control
Even small defects in components can lead to catastrophic consequences in the 
aerospace industry. The answer is AI-enabled 3D printers, which can detect errors  
and correct them before they occur.
According to Jacob Wilson, Regional Manager at Bcn3d.com, “In-print monitoring has 
huge potential for AI integration. We’re already seeing things like “Spaghetti Detection” 
[utilizing computer vision and ML to detect print failures] becoming increasingly popular 
among desktop FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) systems.”
Machine learning model for detecting

Trend Report 202318 / 30
www.hubs.comGenerative design
The democratization of manufacturing capabilities has been made possible by the 
widespread accessibility of consumer 3D printers and distributed manufacturing 
platforms such as Hubs. Nevertheless, the design process still requires a working 
knowledge of both CAD and slicer software, which can be complex and challenging  
to learn.
James Bricknell, CNET’s Senior Editor, envisions AI tools breaking down the barriers 
to entry in 3D printing. He says, “The significant AI advancement will be 3D model 
generation using technologies like ChatGPT. I believe that in the coming years, we’ll 
witness programs enabling the creation of intricate geometries simply through voice

commands.”
Print optimization
Achieving the right print efficiency and quality demands meticulous fine-tuning of  
a variety of parameters, such as layer height, infill density, path planning, and support 
structures. Mark Lamkin, co-founder of FYR Medical, thinks AI can ace this process. He says,  
“This could be something simple, such as improving layer fidelity, or more complex, like  
exploring novel combinations of manufacturing methods. Humans are very good at 
recognizing patterns, but we are slow compared to the speed of a computer.”
Medical industry
3D printing has already proved its value in healthcare with customized prosthetics and 
medical implants. However, the existing methods can be both time-consuming and 
resource-intensive.
Robin Brockötter, Hubs’ resident 3D printing

expert, believes AI-assisted automation can 
speed things up. He states, “Specialized AI tools are set to reduce the complexity of the 
design process, making it easier for doctors and other healthcare professionals to be more 
involved in the undertaking.”
Looking at the significant transformations that AI has brought about in various fields like 
art, literature, and software development, it’s reasonable to assume it can also accelerate 
the developments in 3D printing technology. In addition to making AM faster and more 
efficient, AI will hopefully make it more accessible and user-friendly, to the point where 
it’s as easy to use as your everyday office inkjet printer. For further insights, head over to 
this page to access the full article .

Trend Report 202319 / 30
Shape-morphing systems (4D printing)
 
Shape-morphing systems, also known as 4D printing, add the dimension of time to 
3D printing. By using responsive materials that react to external elements like heat, 
light, moisture, electric current, or pressure, 4D printed objects can change shape or 
properties. Imagine a smart textile that adjusts its breathability based on humidity or 
a plumbing system that expands or contracts in response to temperature fluctuations. 
While 4D printing is still in its infancy, it’s easy to envision the huge impact it could have  
on various sectors.
Healthcare
Traditional implants often face limitations due to their inflexible structures. However, 
4D

printing could change that, allowing implants to adapt to a patient’s body over time. 
Robert Jones, a manufacturing engineer at Nissha Medical Technologies, believes  
4D printing’s benefits will extend beyond implants, saying, “This technology can be  
used for controlling the release of a drug in the body with extreme precision.”
Researchers are already creating 4D printed hydrogels for stimuli-responsive, targeted 
drug delivery. These hydrogels can detect changes in a patient's vitals, such as body 
temperature, pH levels, blood pressure, or enzyme presence, and release medication 
accordingly. For heart patients requiring timely access to medicine, this technology  
could be a lifesaver.
Aerospace
Shape-morphing components can enable aircraft to adapt to various flight conditions,

reduce air drag, and enhance performance and fuel efficiency. As highlighted by Concordia  
University research, 4D printed drone wings, which can bend up to 20 degrees in response  
to stimuli, can significantly improve efficiency.[31] Beyond that, 4D printed materials can help  
develop lightweight, flexible structures for satellites and spacecraft, ultimately lowering 
the costs and complexity associated with space missions.
4D printed self-folding protein, image via Self-Assembly Lab

Trend Report 202320 / 30
Adrian Nordtomme, Director of APAPTA LTD, claims that 4D printing’s benefits will impact  
other transportation industries as well. “I believe 4D printing could be particularly intriguing  
in applications where an electric current is applied to the object, instead of heat or light,” 
says Nordtomme. “This is especially relevant for the automotive, aerospace, and maritime  
industries, where there’s a keen interest in manipulating structures for aerodynamic purposes.”
Furniture
4D printing technology introduces the possibility of self-assembling furniture. In future, 
consumers can simply watch as their new piece of furniture takes shape, rather than spending  
hours following

instructions and fumbling with tools. This streamlined assembly process 
not only saves time and effort but also makes household goods more accessible.
Francesco Rivalta, Mechanical Engineer at Hubs, thinks shape-morphing systems could  
revolutionize the furniture industry. “This could be the next big thing after the concept 
of flat-pack furniture. Imagine assembling a chair by using nothing but heat from a hair dryer.”
Packaging
Using 4D printing tech, it is possible to develop packaging capable of protecting the contents  
from external elements such as rain, extreme cold, or heat. Additionally, this technology 
can automate the packaging process by enabling it to adapt to external factors.
Drawing from his experience in manufacturing at Nissha Medical Technologies, Jones 
explains,

“It could be possible to make a type of packaging material that is stored in flat 
sheets, but when a product is placed on it and exposed to either light, heat, or some other 
stimuli, it would self-wrap and reduce the amount of labor, cost, and time spent packaging 
goods that may not fit easily into the standard box.”
 
3D printed wood robots respond to external cues and change shape, image via Self-Assembly Lab

Trend Report 202321 / 30
www.hubs.comApparel
Shape-morphing systems enable designers to create adaptive clothing and accessories 
that respond to both environmental factors and wearer preferences. Brands like Adidas 
are currently developing 4D printed shoes that adapt to users’ foot shape and movement 
patterns, providing superior fit, cushioning, insulation, and breathability, giving athletes  
a competitive edge.
Resident 3D printing expert at Hubs, Robin Brockötter, highlights how 4D printed textiles 
will push the boundaries of design and functionality in the fashion industry. He explains, 
“Imagine a coat that adapts to the cold by becoming thicker or hiking gear that increases 
its breathability when exposed to

sweat.”
The research surrounding shape-morphing systems is spearheaded by the MIT Self-
Assembly Lab, in collaboration with Stratasys and Autodesk. In recent years, numerous 
breakthroughs have been made in developing self-assembling and shape-shifting materials,  
with a wide range of possible applications. The current innovations are just the tip of the 
iceberg. As technology matures, even more possibilities will unfold.
Programmable textiles, image via Self-Assembly Lab

Trend Report 202322 / 30
www.hubs.comGreen by design
Additive manufacturing and sustainability
As we chart the path towards a sustainable future, we must consider the environmental 
impact of 3D printing technology. While the technology could always be more optimized 
for sustainability, particularly in terms of energy consumption, there are a number of reasons  
it is continually linked with green initiatives. Here are six of them:
1. Less waste
As an additive process, 3D printing generates less material waste than subtractive 
manufacturing processes, like CNC machining. For powder-based 3D printing technologies,  
it is also possible to reuse and recycle unsintered powder for future builds. AI-powered 
software tools are

also helping to reduce additive waste by minimizing the risk of failed prints  
and optimizing CAD designs for the printing process.[32]
 
2. Local production
The ecological impact of manufacturing extends beyond the process itself. Transport 
emissions are also an important factor. As a digital fabrication method, 3D printing can  
produce parts locally, eliminating the need for complex logistics and transport. Distributed  
manufacturing networks such as Hubs can facilitate local 3D printing, by providing access  
to qualified manufacturers all over the world.
3. Recycling
It is possible to use recycled materials for more and more 3D printing applications.  
There are commercial filaments made from recycled PLA, PETG, HIPS, ABS, and more. 
There have also been a number of creative

recycling projects for 3D printing.  
Recycled plastic in filament form, image via Refil

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www.hubs.comItalian startup Krill Design has successfully 3D printed decorative objects made from 
materials derived from oranges, lemons, and coffee scraps.[33] Forust, a startup acquired 
by Desktop Metal, has developed a binder 3D printing technology that uses sawdust as  
its base material.[34]
4. Optimized parts
3D printing is giving industries, particularly aerospace and automotive, the ability to 
achieve greater fuel efficiency thanks to intelligent part design. By lightweighting an 
increasing number of components, aircraft and vehicles can become more efficient  
and consume less fuel. Reducing an aircraft’s weight by 20% can lead to 10% better  
fuel efficiency.[35]
5. Extending end-of-life

3D printing’s ability to produce replacement parts can help extend the life of products, 
such as appliances, machines, or vehicles. People can 3D print spare parts at home or 
businesses can print them on demand, leveraging digital inventories or, for obsolete 
components, reverse-engineer parts. For example, many vintage vehicles have been 
brought back to functioning status with the help of 3D printed replacement parts.[36]
6. Circular economy
In a circular economy, waste is eliminated by finding ways to reduce material  
consumption and transform products into new materials. Support-free 3D printing 
is a key way to reduce material consumption, as is a made-to-order production ethos.  
There are also efforts to keep 3D printed products from landfill. For example, HP and  
Ford have

partnered to recycle printed dental aligner molds and use the material for 
injection-molded fuel-line clips.[37]

Trend Report 202324 / 30
“3D printing is poised for growth as refinements in technology 
and reduced costs continue to make it an increasingly attractive 
alternative to injection molding for a wide range of applications. 
Its potential to mass-produce bespoke products will appeal to 
several industries. Looking forward, emerging innovations such as
AI-assisted 3D printing and shape–morphing systems are set to  
unlock new possibilities.”
– Alex Cappy, CEO of Hubs3D printing has come a long way from its beginnings as sci-fi star-gazing. The technology 
has matured over years of innovation and progress, but it is still only on the precipice of 
what may one day be achieved.
Additive manufacturing has already

revolutionized numerous sectors, including aerospace,  
healthcare, fashion, and food. As highlighted in our report, there has been a significant 
increase in the number of businesses producing 10 or more parts during their production 
runs, with the figure rising from 49% in 2021 to 76.24% in 2022. Our latest survey revealed 
that the primary reasons for choosing 3D printing over other manufacturing techniques are  
its fast lead times, ability to produce complex geometries and easy access to the technology.
At present, 20.72% of the survey participants utilize 3D printing for the production of 
end-use parts. However, as the technology continues to evolve towards improved efficiency,  
speed and accessibility, we expect a steady growth in the adoption of 3D printing as a full-
fledged

manufacturing method.
The tale of 3D printing is characterized by ongoing evolution. Moving forward, we can 
expect new layers of this agile technology that will reshape our world and the way we 
interact with it.The shape of things to come

Trend Report 202325 / 30
www.hubs.comTo create this report, we collected information from three primary sources:
 • A survey sent to our global engineering community
 • A deep dive into 3D printing news and related media
 • A side-by-side analysis of reports from well-respected analysts and consultants 
We’ve taken insights from a survey featuring hundreds of industry innovators, a thorough 
review of news and media, and market research to develop a complete understanding of 
where the 3D printing market stands today and where it’s heading. 
Since our goal was to provide perspectives of those directly involved, the survey encompasses  
insights from engineers, designers, manufacturers, and other major players in the industry.

The data collected in 2022 and 2023 paints a detailed picture of the driving forces and 
economic factors that are molding the future of 3D printing technologies and their 
applications.How we created this report

Trend Report 202326 / 30
www.hubs.com3D printing: The complete guide
Read online guide  Further reading
Gain more insights and practical tips within the manufacturing space
CNC machining: The complete guide
 
Read online guide How to master 3D printing
Watch video series 
Supply chain resilience  
in manufacturing report
Read report  3D printing trend report 2022
Read report

3D Printing
Trend Report 2023 27 / 30EU +31 85 888 7380
www.hubs.comAbout this report
Editorial:
Chandrakant Isi & Merritt Gurley (Hubs)
Design:
Barbara Bartkova (Hubs)
About Hubs
Hubs  is an online manufacturing platform that provides engineers with on-demand access 
to a global network of manufacturing partners. Users can easily upload their design, 
instantly receive a quote, and start production at the click of a button. 
 
Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, Hubs was acquired by Protolabs in January 2021. To date, 
Hubs has produced more than 10 million parts, using various manufacturing technologies, 
including CNC machining , 3D printing , injection molding  and sheet metal fabrication . 
 
About Protolabs
Protolabs is the fastest and most comprehensive

digital manufacturing service in the 
world. Its digital factories produce low-volume parts in days while its digital network of 
manufacturing partners powered by Hubs unlocks advanced capabilities and volume 
pricing at higher quantities. The result? One manufacturing source–from prototyping to 
production–for product developers, engineers, and supply chain teams across the globe. 
See what's next at protolabs.com .
Disclaimer
The information in this report is provided for informational purposes only. This report 
was based on certain assumptions and information available to Hubs at the date of 
publication. Hubs does not give an express or implied warranty regarding the correctness 
or completeness of the information contained in this report. This report may contain 
forward-looking

statements. There is no guarantee that future results, levels of activity, 
performance or achievements will be realized. You should not place undue reliance on 
these forward-looking statements. Hubs expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to 
update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. 
The information provided by collaborating companies has not been verified by Hubs. 
The image rights remain with the respective originator at any time. Hubs expresses 
disclaims any and all liability and will not be liable for any loss or damage arising directly 
or indirectly (including special, incidental or consequential loss or damage) from your use 
of this report, howsoever arising, including any loss, damage or expense arising from, but 
not limited to,

any defect, error, imperfection, fault, mistake or inaccuracy in this report, 
its contents or associated services.
For report enquiries, please contact press@hubs.com.Hubs
April 2023

Trend Report 202328 / 30
www.hubs.com3D Printing 
Trend Report 2023 28 / 30EU +31 85 888 7380
www.hubs.comReferences

Trend Report 202329 / 30
www.hubs.com[01] https://historydraft.com/story/3d-
printing/johannes-f-gottwald-patented-the-
liquid-metal-recorder/711/16385
[02] https://historydraft.com/story/3d-
printing/hideo-kodama-of-nagoya-municipal-
industrial-research-institute-invented-two-
additive-methods/711/16387
[03]  https://www.3dsystems.com/our-story
[04]  https://reprap.org/wiki/About
[05] https://www.hubs.com/about/
[06] https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/
slm-solutions-to-develop-worlds-largest-
metal-3d-printer-for-the-us-air-force-215010/
[07] https://www.voxelmatters.com/caracol-
teases-new-waam-capabilities-for-large-size-
metal-parts/
[08] http://sculpman.com/technology
[09]

https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/an-
easy-way-to-start-non-planar-3d-printing
[10] https://additive-manufacturing-report.
com/metal-additive-manufacturing-
market-2023/
[11] https://additive-manufacturing-report.
com/polymer-additive-manufacturing-
[12] https://www.contextworld.com/blog/-/
blogs/quarterly-3d-printer-revenues-rise-
unit-shipments-slow-as-worldwide-markets-
react-to-inflation?blogLang=
[13] https://zortrax.com/blog/how-toyota-
factory-works-with-zortrax-3d-printers/
[14] https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/
toyota-and-solize-unveil-automotive-spare-
part-3d-printing-project-powered-by-hp-
technology-212084/
[15] https://www.voxelmatters.com/3d-
printing-orthodontic-aligners/
[16] https://www.hubs.com/blog/formify-
case-study/  [17]

https://www.ge.com/additive/press-
releases/ge-aviation-singapore-first-offer-
metal-additive-engine-component-repair
[18] https://media.cadillac.com/media/us/
en/cadillac/celestiq.html
[19] https://www.bentleymedia.com/en/
newsitem/1405-ground-breaking-3d-printed-
gold-process-used-in-bentley-mulliner-batur
[20] https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/
global/article/detail/T0392573EN/successful-
industrialisation-and-digitalisation-of-
additive-manufacturing?language=en
[21] https://www.prweb.com/
releases/2022/09/prweb18905992.htm  
[22] https://www.rootsanalysis.com/
reports/dental-3d-printing-market.html  
[23] https://reinvent.hp.com/us-en-3dprint-
smiledirect  
[24] https://all3dp.com/2/adidas-3d-printed-
shoes/
[25] https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/
reebok-botter-sneaker/
[26]

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/dior-
3d-printed-shoes/
[27] https://www.businesswire.com/news/
home/20220531005115/en/
[28] https://www.roboze.com/en/news/3d-
printing-and-motorsport-roboze-supports-
ducati-corse-for-the-2022-motogp-season.
html
[29] https://www.voxelmatters.com/the-
state-of-bioprinting/
[30] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/04/
inside-relativity-spaces-monster-factory-3d-
printing-reusable-rockets.html
 [31] https://www.concordia.ca/news/
stories/2022/05/10/4d-composite-printing-
can-improve-the-wings-of-drones-according-
to-new-concordia-research.html[32] https://www.azom.com/article.
aspx?ArticleID=21252
[33] https://www.3dnatives.com/en/
krill-design-3d-printing-furniture-food-
waste-180120224/#
[34] https://www.forust.com/
[35]

https://www.3ds.com/make/solutions/
industries/3d-printing-aerospace
[36] https://all3dp.com/1/reverse-
engineering-3d-printing-classic-car-parts/
[37] https://media.ford.com/content/
fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2021/03/25/
leading-a-sustainable-revolution.html
  
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www.hubs.com3D Printing Trend Report 2023
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