3-D Printing

3-D really seems to be a popular topic this year. With 3-D movies consitently becoming more popular and the recent release of 3-D T.V's it seems we can't get enough. Now 3-D printers are making their way to the forefront. Once reserved for manufaturing companies wishing to make models, this breakthrough technology is becoming affordable for the common household. When I first heard about this technology, I assumed it could only make simple, solid models. This was enough to impress me, but after looking further into it, I found that the devices are much more advanced than I could have ever imagined. These machines are capable of making the most intricate of models. To learn more and check out some pictures go to http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/29/the-rise-of-the-3-d-printers/?ref=technology. What's really amazing is these printers are useful beyond making models that are just for show. They have the ability to make useful parts as well. In particular, they can make parts that can help construct new 3-D printers. With some printers priced as low as $650, anyone who sees a real value in the product can own  one. Obviously, the $650 printers will not be able to match the capabilities of the $20,000 printers, but the fact that the technology is available to the public is incredible. Its products like these that really make me think about how quickly technology is advancing and wonder what is in store for us in the years to come.