Tag: 3D printing

NASA releases 3D-printable models to the public | gizmag.com

http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-3d-printable-models/33116/

As part of its continuing program of education and outreach, NASA has released 22 printable models of NASA and European space probes, asteroids, and planetary landscapes for the hobbyist and space enthusiast.

The 3D models are available from the NASA website for free and are printable on any desktop 3D printer using plastic filaments. It’s the latest in a long tradition of NASA science, technology artwork made available to the public going back to its founding in 1958.

Giving a Kid a Hand – Literally

Non-profit Limbitless Solutions, founded by student Albert Manero, has started a project #3DHope: changing lives through the design and distribution of 3D printed limbs.

Below is a lovely video of Iron Man Robert Downey Jr giving an arm to a young boy. An awesome example of what the “opening up” of 3D printing technology (initiated by the Adrian Bowyer, Vik Olliver and the others in the original RepRap project) can accomplish for people’s quality of life.

3D printed custom vertebra

Of course 3D printing is cool and funky. But that’s actually just a bonus that helps it get more attention and makes it easier to talk about.

One other great thing is that with 3D printing now, one-offs – aka printing just one copy of a particular design – has become affordable. Previously, only a few research and commercial facilities here and there had a 3D printer, and using it was both restricted and expensive.

Example: Surgeons have implanted an artificial, 3D-printed vertebra into a 12 year-old patient to replace the bone he lost to cancer (article @ sciencealert.com.au)

3D printed custom vertebra“Minghao had been lying in the orthopaedics ward of the hospital for more than two months. He could barely stand up for more than a few minutes at a time due to the damage caused by a tumour growing in his neck. In the past, patients with this condition would have received a piece of standardised, hollow titanium tube as an implant, but the new technique involving 3D-printing technology offers them a much greater customisation and a speedier, more comfortable recovery.”

Science and smart (cheaper but good quality!) innovation can do a lot of good. We can imagine how this operation will make a world of difference to that 12 year-old. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery with his new 3D printed vertebra!