While domestic 3D printing is relatively new, it has already been making huge waves in the tech and manufacturing community. People have been manufacturing everything from gun parts to industrial tools in the privacy of their own rooms.

As this technology grows, it becomes more and more applicable as a means for small business startups in the third world. 3D printers are easy to use and very practical for creating things such as toilets, water collectors, and even boats.

The benefits of creating materials using 3D printers is not only that the business would not need large scale production lines and lowered start-up costs, but also that the materials used by 3D printers are generally found in waste materials such as milk jugs and plastic pop bottles. Using these materials is doubly beneficial because they are inexpensive and their use helps clean up the environment.

Organizations such as Just 3D Printing and WOOF, Washington Open Object Fabrications, have teamed up to distribute 3D printers throughout impoverished communities in India. These communities will be trained in using 3D printers and given access to open source software to assist in further developments.

Just 3D Printing believes that the model being applied to India can be applied to other developing communities. Implementing this technology could very well be a huge step toward creating sustainable and eco-friendly industry in less developed countries.

– Pete Grapentien

Source: The 3D4D Challenge
Photo: Solidoodle.com