User:Mistyice26/sandbox

3D Printing
3D printing is any of several processes for fabricating three-dimensional objects by layering two-dimensional cross sections sequentially, one on top of another. It is frequently used to turn out prototypes but can also be used to turn out products made for sale. Normally fine plastic or metal is used to mold the object. "The cube" is regarded as one of the first personal (for home use) 3d printers.

History
The term 3D printing originally designated a specific process patented as 3DP by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1993 and licensed to several manufacturers.

Uses
3D printing today is used for the creation of bones and tissue in healthcare among other things. This type of printing is referred to as bioprinting. Some manufacturing companies already use a type of 3d printing to help their products be more standardized and create models.

Future
Bioprinting will continue to further development so it can be used in a wider range of situations. Right now, bioprinting has its limitations. Airbus plans to build a plane from a 3D printer the size of an aircraft hangar by 2050. The major appeal of such technology is that the aircraft would be 65% lighter than current planes, and thus fly with dramatically lower fuel costs. The Centre for Additive Layering Manufacturing (Calm), opened at Exeter in 2011, is investigating smaller 3D-printed plane components, and Airbus plans to have some installed, such as cabin seats in its A380s, by the end of this year. Some of the lightest activewear apparel is in the beginning stages of creation with the help of 3d printing.