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School
Tulane University *
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Course
3410
Subject
Industrial Engineering
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
4
Uploaded by PrivateRiver7243
Background: 3D Printing
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a newly utilized technology that
transforms digital designs into real life objects by layering materials one slice at a time (see
sign). While the concept of 3D printing emerged in the 1980s, it has gained significant attention
and advancements in the 21st century, for better or for worse.
The process typically begins with a digital 3D model created using computer-aided design
(CAD) software. This virtual blueprint is then sliced into numerous thin layers. The 3D printer
interprets these layers and builds the physical object layer by layer, often using materials like
plastic, metal, resin, or even biological materials.
One of the key advantages of 3D printing is its versatility. It allows the production of complex
and intricate shapes that traditional manufacturing methods may find challenging. This capability
for customization has applications across various sectors, most emergent in aerospace,
healthcare, automotive, among others. Moreover, 3D printing is known for its sustainability by
minimizing material wastage compared to typical manufacturing methods.
While 3D printing has made remarkable strides, challenges remain due to accessibility, such as
the need for improved printing speeds, larger-scale capabilities, and addressing material
limitations. Nonetheless, the technology continues to evolve, offering new possibilities and
disrupting traditional manufacturing, making it a technology to keep an eye on in this new
technological age.
However, the emergence of 3D printing also presents a bevy of general concerns, including
compromises of intellectual property, dangers with weaponization, safety/quality standards, and
ethical concerns.
Stakeholders/Scenarios:
1.
Shinzo Abe (3D Printed Gun modifications)
2.
Safety Sector
3.
Synthetic Food
4.
Job Displacement (but also new jobs!)
5.
Healthcare (Prosthetics, Synthetic Organs, Synthetic Life Ethics)
6.
Manufacturing Sector
Discussion Questions:
1.
How can regulators balance the need for innovation in 3D printing with ethical
considerations (particularly in relation to intellectual property)
2.
In the world of bioprinting, what ethical guidelines should be established to ensure
responsible use and prevent potential issues such as organ trafficking and the creation of
synthetic life?
3.
How can governments and industries attack the ethical challenges posed by the potential
weaponization of 3D printing technology, ensuring safety while not violating individual
freedoms?
4.
Given the potential for 3D printing to lead to job displacement, how do you believe the
job market will be transformed as a result? (More qualifications, retraining, new
markets?)
5.
What are some concerns we haven’t addressed that you believe could be a potential
hazard in the future?
6.
Do you believe this technology should be heavily invested upon for the future, despite the
presented risks? (Cost benefit analysis)
7.
Would you eat synthetic food? What would it take for you to trust 3D printed products?
Artifacts:
FEEDBACK TOOL:
What is one thing that you’ve learned from this discussion?
___________________________________________________________________
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On a scale of 1 to 5, do you believe that this technology is a net positive (5) or
negative (1) to overall life?
1
2
3
4
5
One thing to improve for this activity:
___________________________________________________________________
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What is your recommendation for how this technology can be changed for the
better or better managed by society:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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