Your House, Spine, and a Birthday Cake: All 3D-Printed

You are what you print.

Poster by Xander Pakzad

Leave it to 3D printing to fascinate and creep us out at the same time. Here are three recent examples that show how yesteryear’s sci-fi is becoming part of our lives.

Architect Andrey Rudenko challenged himself—and his home insurance company—by 3D printing a castle. His homemade printer uses a common technique called fused filament fabrication, but instead of plastic, it extrudes concrete. Constructing a building from the bottom up prevents having to lift pieces up to the second floor—all you have to do is print it up there.

After a 12-year-old boy in China lost all feeling in his body following a soccer accident, doctors diagnosed him with a malignant tumor. In his NECK. (See, this is why I don’t exercise.) Fortunately, they were able to replace the problematic vertebra using, you guessed it, 3D printing. Although it's the first surgery of its kind, experts say 3D-printed orthopedic implants can lead to a faster recovery time and decreased chance of rejection. +1 cyborgs.

The latest food printer comes from 3D Ventures, and they’re focusing on dessert. Meet "Candy," the stripper -- I MEAN printer that can create custom cake designs, candies, and other sweets with precision and speed. Back their Kickstarter now to get your own Candy for a sweet $499.

With each iteration of 3D-printed food, we’re a step closer to the Star Trek replicator. Hey, if it’s good enough for Trip, it’s good enough for me.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ora Media, LLC, its affiliates, or its employees.

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