3D Printing - just a fad or a way to transform our lives?

Houses, tortoise shells, new ears and noses, artificial limbs. These are just a few of the things that are now being created using 3 D Printing.  While 3D printing has been around for many years in the manufacturing industry it has become very popular in the last couple of years because of the availability and low cost of the technology to individuals and households.

So here are a few questions for you to explore around 3D printing?

• What is 3D Printing?
• What materials can be used to create 3D printed objects?
• In which fields of science do you think 3D printing is having the biggest impact and why?
• How is the manufacturing industry being affected by the fact that 3D printers are so readily available to households and individuals?
• Find at least one example of 3D printing in each of the following areas:

               * Artificial body parts
               * Clothing
               * Architecture
               * Manufacturing
               * Automobiles
               * Household items
               * Helping animals
You can also use the SIX THINKING HATS to explore this topic.
Use the following website to help find answers to the above questions.

Links to the Australian Curriculum