2. Team Members
Michael Sanders
Corey Sargent
Michael Stone
Brian Suarez
Stephanie Walker
Amber Zoeller
3. Introduction
Fundamentally, 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technique that allows
objects to be built out of layers; printing starts with the bottom layer, allows
it to solidify, and then works its way up. 3D printing is a method of
manufacturing everything from jewelry, shoes, guns, aerospace parts, and
most importantly, body parts.
Stephanie Walker
4. History
The birth of the 3D printer is accredited to American inventor, Charles Hull,
co-funder of 3D Systems. In 1984 Hull invented stereolithography, a printing
process that enabled a tangible object to be generated from digital data.
Yan Yongnian, a mechanical engineering professor at Tsinghua University
discovered attended a technology expo during one of his visits to the United
States. Fascinated with the technology, he purchased several machines and
introduced 3D printing to China in 1988.
Stephanie Walker
5. Economic Considerations
Economic Development
China is on a trajectory to replace the United States as the #1
economic power in the world.
3D printing will have a positive influence on production and
variables of supply and demand.
China will control one-third of the global market by 2015.
Expected revenues to reach 10 billion Yuan ($1.6B) by 2016.
Stephanie Walker
6. Political Issues and Influences
Chinese Central Government not
getting backing from potential
Chinese investors
Factory owners not backing 3D
research and investments
3D printing is a “gimmick”
Economical impact on China’s
manufacturing industry
Traditional manufacturing
Manual labor
Possible Political Resolutions
Wait and see approach
Chinese government has already
agreed with business ventures with
3D printing firms
Stratysys: 1.5billion Yuan/7yr
program for research and
development in China
Brian Suarez
7. Legal Issues
Possible Solutions
Let 3D Market Regulate Itself
Lessons from Napster
Have consumers pay a fair
market price for
downloading CAD files
Detecting illegal CAD files
Algorithm created for guns and
parts
Need prescription code from
doctor
Regulate manufacturers and online
repositories
Self regulation
Legal Issues
Currently no laws are regulating
the 3D printing industry
Intellectual Property (IP)
Copyrights, patents,
trademarks or any works of art
CAD files and Repositories
Printed Objects
Other Criminal Activity
Firearms
Counterfeiting
Potential Drug Printing
Brian Suarez
8. Psychological & Sociological
Consequences
Social Impact
Loss of raw manufacturing jobs
Labor costs reduced to near 0%
Repatriation of manufacturing jobs to Europe
Rise in unemployment
Manufacturing workers out of work
Increased need for education and retraining
Educators needed to retrain manufacturers
Manufacturers need to learn new skills
Michael Sanders
9. Psychological & Sociological
Consequences
Social Manufacturing
Small businesses working
together.
Brought together through
the World Wide Web.
Shared ideas, contracts,
suppliers, and shippers.
Download designs and print
them immediately.
Highly customizable
Government censorship may be
an issue.
Michael Sanders
10. Importance of 3D Printing
Manufacturing molds
On site repairs
Fast and cheap prototyping
Corey Sargent
11. 3D Printing Technologies
Stereo lithographic
Fused deposition molding
Selective laser sintering
Syringe based
Corey Sargent
12. Implications for the Environment
Human Impact
Overpopulation and urbanization
3D Printing alleviating the effects
of overpopulation
Areas of negative impact
Air Pollution
Air pollution dangers in China
3D printing could reduce fossil fuel
emissions
Indoor air pollution
Waste Disposal
China’s immense waste
management problem
3D printing and “green
manufacturing
Overall Positive and Negative Conclusions
Low environmental impact and
effective use of raw materials
High energy use
Plastics
True positive effects come in the
long-term and determined by use
and support
Michael Stone
13. Moral and Ethical Concerns
Moral Concerns
3D manufactured guns
Medical concerns
Economic concerns
Code of Ethics
Government responsibility
Medical Applications and
Implications
Future of the medical field
Organ transplant
Ethical Theory
Utilitarianism
Amber Zoeller
14. Assessments/Recommendations
Assessments
China perceives the technological advancements of 3D printing to
eliminate the need for mass production lines. Moreover, it sees the
technology as the next brick in The Great Wall.
China sees 3D printing technology as an opportunity and a threat.
Recommendations
China should continue on the path of placing more emphasis additive
technologies since its thriving market has fashioned a promising
environment for exploration, development, and use.
Stephanie Walker
15. Questions
How do you feel about anyone being able to print a weapon (gun, knife, etc.)?
(Brian Suarez)
What is your opinion about machines being able to self-replicate? (Corey
Sargent)
What industries do you see 3D printing impacting the most? (Michael Stone)
17. Bibliography
Fingery, F. (2013). Making pizza with 3D printers.
http://practicallyserious.com/2013/05/25/making-pizza-with-3d-printers/.
Leonard, A. (2013). Will computers kill gun control?
http://www.salon.com/2013/01/25/will_computers_kill_gun_control/.
Moreland, D. (2013). Scientists invent 3D printer that could print human limbs.
http://planetivy.com/technology/34673/scientists-invent-3d-printer-that-
could-print-human-limbs/.
Simonds, D. (2013). The Economist. A new brick in the great wall
http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21576626-
additive-manufacturing-growing-apace-china-new-brick-great-wall.
Stephanie Walker
