3D Printing
Research
3D Printing involves duplicating a 3D object from a digital model stored on a computer. 3D printing is also known as Additive manufacture. 3D printing is a prototyping process where a real object is created from a 3D design. The digital 3D model is saved and then sent to a 3D printer. The 3D printer then prints the design layer by layer and forms a real object.
3D printers work by following a computer's digital instructions to "print" an object using materials such as plastic, ceramics and metal. The printing process involves building up an object one layer at a time until it's complete. For instance, some 3D printers squirt out a stream of heated, semi-liquid plastic that solidifies as the printer's head moves around to create the outline of each layer within the object.
Advantages
Very handy if you need a copy or a model of something 3D printing can help making building parts Low production cost for prototypes or small runs
Risks
Might not give the exact copy at the resolution required The process is expensive and takes time compared to mass production Manufacture of dangerous items (guns and IEDs) is possible
Media
Application for Solving World Hunger
3D print food with ground insects/other unlikely source of nutrition
3D print nutritionally balanced rations, processing this way produces less waste
3D print specialist tools for agriculture
3D printing will create replacement parts faster and cheaper
Storage containers and even barns can be 3D printed on demand.
Sources
http://3dprintingindustry.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD9-QEo-qDk
http://www.livescience.com/34551-3d-printing.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-26945020
http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-26755692
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24528306
http://www.3ders.org/
http://www.ted.com/talks/alastair_parvin_architecture_for_the_people_by_the_people
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2563052/Would-eat-sweets-INSECTS-Scientists-3D-print-crunchy-cinnamon-snacks-using-ground-bugs.html