How 3D printing is enabling the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ | Dr. Tim Minshall | TEDxOxBridge

Summary

The speaker explores whether 3D printing could ignite a new Industrial Revolution. They explain traditional manufacturing methods like subtractive, forming, and casting processes, then contrast with additive manufacturing, highlighting 3D printing's efficiency, customization, and potential to merge production and consumption. Examples include rapid prototyping, aerospace parts, and low-cost prosthetics. The talk suggests 3D printing could revolutionize supply chains, enable local production in remote or disaster-stricken areas, and inspire a new generation of makers and engineers.

Takeaways

• 🕍 The speaker aims to answer whether 3D printing will lead to a new Industrial Revolution within a short time frame.
• 🔩 The process of making things traditionally involves four areas: subtractive processes, forming, casting, and additive manufacturing.
• 🗿 Subtractive manufacturing is exemplified by sculpting a statue from a block of marble, where material is removed to form the final product.
• 🔨 Forming involves applying force to a block of material to change its shape, like Wallace and Gromit figurines.
• 🏺 Casting is the process of making an object by melting material and pouring it into a mold, such as a chocolate bunny.
• ➕ Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, involves building an object by adding material layer by layer, starting from nothing.
• 🖨 3D printing is particularly useful for rapid prototyping, allowing for quick creation of models before final production.
• ✈️ The technology enables the production of final parts, including those for aircraft engines, which can be lighter and more effective.
• 🤖 3D printing facilitates customization, as each object can be unique, with applications like personalized prosthetics for children.
• 🌐 It has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing by bringing production closer to consumption, reducing waste and transportation.
• 🚀 3D printing can be used in unique environments like space or disaster zones, where traditional supply chains are not feasible.
• 🛠️ The technology also supports the maker movement, encouraging community involvement in local production and innovation.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the script?

The main topic discussed in the script is the potential of 3D printing to lead to a new Industrial Revolution.

What are the four basic ways of manufacturing mentioned in the script?

The four basic ways of manufacturing mentioned are subtractive processes, forming, casting, and additive manufacturing.

How does 3D printing differ from traditional manufacturing methods?

3D printing, as an additive manufacturing method, differs from traditional methods by building objects layer by layer, starting from nothing and adding material where needed, which results in no waste, no tooling, and no cutting.

What is the significance of 3D printing for prototyping?

3D printing is significant for prototyping because it allows for rapid prototyping, enabling the quick creation of prototypes before final production, which can enhance the manufacturing process.

How can 3D printing be used for customization?

3D printing allows for mass customization by enabling the production of unique items tailored to individual needs, such as low-cost prosthetics for children, which can be resized as they grow.

What is the philosophical shift proposed by 3D printing in terms of production and consumption?

3D printing proposes a philosophical shift by combining production and consumption into one process, allowing for local production that is more accessible, customizable, and usable.

How does 3D printing change the logistics of delivering goods in remote or disaster-stricken areas?

3D printing can change logistics by enabling on-site production of needed goods, reducing the need for transportation and expediting the availability of essential items in remote or disaster-stricken areas.

What is the potential impact of 3D printing on the maker movement and local communities?

The potential impact of 3D printing on the maker movement and local communities includes fostering a renaissance of making and repairing, encouraging community involvement in the creation of physical objects, and connecting local production with broader digital environments.

How does 3D printing address the shortage of engineers?

3D printing can help address the shortage of engineers by engaging younger generations with the physical world through the virtual world, providing hands-on experience in engineering and manufacturing processes.

What is the final message the speaker leaves with the audience regarding 3D printing?

The final message is that 3D printing might be leading to a new Industrial Revolution and encourages the audience to learn more about its potential impact on our lives and to discuss the topic further.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Introduction to 3D Printing and Manufacturing Methods

The speaker begins by setting the stage for a discussion on the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize industry. They introduce the audience to the fundamental question of how we transform raw materials into useful products. The speaker simplifies the complex world of manufacturing into four basic methods: subtractive (carving away material), forming (applying force to change shape), casting (molding liquid material into a shape), and additive (building up material layer by layer). The talk emphasizes the significance of 3D printing as a form of additive manufacturing that allows for precise material placement, waste reduction, and customization. A brief video is mentioned to illustrate the 3D printing process, highlighting its efficiency and potential impact on traditional manufacturing.

05:00

🚀 The Impact of 3D Printing on Prototyping and Customization

This section delves into the practical applications of 3D printing, particularly in rapid prototyping, which allows for the quick and cost-effective creation of models. The technology is not limited to plastic; it extends to metals, enabling the production of aircraft engine parts. The speaker underscores the transformative potential of 3D printing in customization, exemplified by the production of affordable and adaptable prosthetics for children. The narrative then shifts to discuss the philosophical and logistical implications of 3D printing, suggesting a shift from centralized factory production to localized manufacturing. This change could reduce the distance between production and consumption, making the process more efficient and responsive to local needs.

10:00

🌐 Localized Production and the Future of 3D Printing

The final paragraph explores how 3D printing can revolutionize supply chains by enabling localized production, which is particularly beneficial in remote or disaster-stricken areas. The speaker cites examples of 3D printing being used on the International Space Station and in post-earthquake Nepal to demonstrate the technology's versatility and resilience. The discussion then broadens to consider the potential for a networked approach to production, where 3D printers in different locations can share designs and capabilities to meet diverse needs efficiently. The speaker also touches on the resurgence of the maker movement and the role of 3D printing in education, suggesting that it can inspire a new generation of engineers. The talk concludes with an open invitation for further discussion on the topic, reflecting the speaker's belief in the transformative potential of 3D printing.

Keywords

💡3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes where material is laid down in layers. In the video, 3D printing is highlighted as a transformative technology that could lead to a new Industrial Revolution, with examples given of its use in creating prototypes, final parts for jet engines, and customized prosthetics.

💡Subtractive Processes

Subtractive processes refer to manufacturing techniques where material is removed from a solid block to create a final product. This is exemplified in the video by the art of sculpting, where a block of marble is chiseled away to form a statue. The concept is used to contrast with additive manufacturing, emphasizing the difference in how material is used and wasted in each method.

💡Forming

Forming is a manufacturing process where a material is deformed or shaped by applying force. In the context of the video, 'Wallace and Gromit' figurines are mentioned as examples of objects formed by applying pressure to material. This process is one of the traditional ways of making things, as opposed to the more modern 3D printing.

💡Casting

Casting is a manufacturing process in which a liquid material is usually poured into a mold, which contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify. The video uses the example of a chocolate bunny to illustrate this process, highlighting how it's a common method for creating objects from a variety of materials.

💡Prototyping

Prototyping in the video refers to the creation of a preliminary model of an object or system. 3D printing is particularly beneficial for rapid prototyping, allowing for the quick and cost-effective creation of models that can be tested and refined before final production. This is a significant advantage in product development and innovation.

💡Mass Customization

Mass customization is the production of goods and services to meet individual customer needs. The video discusses how 3D printing enables this by allowing each object to be uniquely tailored, as demonstrated with the examples of customized prosthetic devices for individuals like Liam and Emma. This concept challenges traditional mass production methods.

💡Production and Consumption

These terms refer to the processes of making goods (production) and using or acquiring those goods (consumption). The video suggests that 3D printing can bring production and consumption closer together by enabling local production, which can be more efficient and reduce the need for transportation and storage of goods.

💡Maker Movement

The maker movement is a cultural and social phenomenon that emphasizes DIY (do-it-yourself) and Do-It-Together (DIT) approaches to learning, innovation, and product development. The video mentions how 3D printing has contributed to the renaissance of this movement, with spaces like 'Cambridge Make Space' providing access to 3D printers and fostering a community of creators.

💡Connectivity

In the context of the video, connectivity refers to the ability of 3D printing services to be networked and accessible, allowing for a distributed manufacturing model. This is exemplified by organizations like 3D Hubs, which connect thousands of 3D printing services, enabling a more localized and community-driven approach to production.

💡Engineers

Engineers are professionals who apply scientific principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, devices, and systems. The video discusses a shortage of engineers in the UK and how 3D printing can inspire and educate younger generations about engineering by bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, making engineering more accessible and engaging.

Highlights

3D printing could potentially lead to a new Industrial Revolution.

Manufacturing processes can be categorized into subtractive, forming, casting, and additive methods.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, allows for creating objects by adding material layer by layer.

3D printing is particularly useful for rapid prototyping in the manufacturing process.

The technology enables the production of final parts, not just prototypes, in various materials including metal.

3D printed parts are being used in jet engines, showcasing their capability for high-performance applications.

Customization is a key advantage of 3D printing, allowing for mass customization of products.

3D printing has made prosthetics more accessible and affordable, especially for children.

Production and consumption can be brought closer together through localized 3D printing.

3D printing can reduce the need for transportation and storage of goods, making supply chains more efficient.

In disaster zones, 3D printing can provide immediate manufacturing of necessary tools and parts.

3D printing is fostering a community approach to production and consumption.

Organizations like 3D Hubs are connecting 3D printing services globally, expanding access to the technology.

The maker movement is being revitalized through 3D printing, encouraging local creation and repair of objects.

3D printing can help address the shortage of engineers by engaging young people in physical creation.

The technology bridges the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, enhancing understanding of engineering and making.

3D printing might be a key technology in the potential new Industrial Revolution, but more exploration is needed.

Transcripts

well good afternoon everyone so I have

the slightly challenging task of trying

to in ten minutes

answer this fairly fundamental question

of whether one particular set of

technologies with a wonderful name of 3d

printing is going to lead to a new

Industrial Revolution

that's quite a big thing to do in nine

and a half minutes but I'll give it a go

so this is all about

something very important and I'm going

to try by the end to lead to one simple

direct answer to that question but

before we do that we've got to take it

back a level or upper level depending

how you look at it and that's to say to

ask a very basic question and that very

basic question is how do we make stuff

how do we go from materials into

something that we want to use to buy to

consume in some way and this is gonna be

a little bit of manufacturing 101 some

of you will know this others maybe not

but we'll put it into four simple areas

the first way we make stuff we go from

raw materials into a thing is what's

called through subtractive processes

this is you probably getting bit worried

now thinking on the engineer is going to

give a really tedious talk well it may

be but to try and bring it to life and

link engineering with art here's an

example of a subtractive lee

manufactured thing okay there was a big

old block of marble and material was

removed from that in apparently quite an

artistic way to create that beautiful

statue in fact the subtraction went on a

bit too far there for a few bits missing

the next type of manufacturing is called

forming we take your block of material

whatever it may be and you apply force

to it to change its shape and many

things in the world are made that way my

personal favorite is this one here there

is a nicely formed set of objects

wallace and gromit the third were type

of technology for making things is

casting when you take your raw material

in solid form you make it liquid and

then you put it into some sort of

shaping device unmold and you make the

object that you want nice example of

that is the chocolate bunny now it's

used for many other things as well and I

could talk for hours about the way these

are done but there are three simple

examples of subtractive forming and

casting but there is another type of

manufacturing and that's called additive

and that's where you have nothing to

begin with and you take your material

you just put the material where you want

it to be until you have the object

that you want an additive manufacturing

has been around for a very long time

relatively speaking and but it's had a

fantastic renaissance because it's been

rebadged with a great name 3d printing

for those who don't know what 3d

printing is here's a short video that

explains what it is

your single basic consumers and work

here as a build plate in electronic file

and it puts down material exactly where

you want it an only way wantd so there's

no waste

there's no tooling there's no cutting

now this is slightly sped up but there

we have what I've just realized of

course is the logo for TEDx Oxbridge

you've seen all your brochures and all

the helpers t-shirts have this on it's

almost like this was planned so there it

is that's a 3d printed object you could

go well great so we now know there are

full ways of making stuff frankly so

what right moving on the so what is

because what can you do with this that's

really really powerful so to make things

before you make a final object you often

want to make what's called a prototype

so 3d printing is brilliant for

prototyping and specifically rapid

prototyping doing it very quickly so

there are some of our students working

in our rapid prototyping lab making an

object that's part of a bigger system

they're trying to build so they can make

this very quickly before they build a

final one that's pretty good

and it really helps manufacturing but

it's even better because you also have

the ability to make final parts with 3d

printed it's not just about plastic you

can do it with metal as well and so here

is an object that has been 3d printed

and you might not recognize it

necessarily but if I destroy this

picture it's that bit of that jet engine

which is now flying on that aircraft

there they're actually making parts of

aircraft engines now using 3d printing

and these parts are lighter more

effective at certain things they just

have 3d printing gives you the ability

to do things much better that you

couldn't do otherwise that's a pretty

good thing for a technology to do it

gets even better though because one of

the great features of 3d printing is the

way in which it can be used for

customization in other words you as

every single object you make on a 3d

printer can be different you can have

this wonderful idea of moving towards

mass customization and two quick

examples what I mean by this

so prosthetics prosthetics tend to be

either expensive and very good or cheap

and not very good and if you're a child

who needs some sort of prosthetic device

to help them live a full life

then it gets quite expensive and quite

difficult with 3d printing you can do

amazing things on the left

have little Liam who was born with no

fingers on one hand and on the right

you're right there we have Emma who has

a condition which means that her joints

are very stiff and her muscles are very

weak but thanks to 3d printing you can

produce very low-cost prosthetic devices

that allow them to move and pick things

up and do things and as they grow you

just print a slightly larger one it's

fantastic for that so for those reasons

alone

I reckon 3d printing is doing something

quite amazing but there's more a little

bit philosophical here how do we make

stuff normally well far away at the

moment there are many big factories

where stuff is made and factories tend

to be big because you want them to be

highly efficient and you put them where

the costs are most effective and then

you take the stuff out of the factory

and you put it on a boat not like that

but something like that you put it on a

truck when it gets to the harbour you

take it to the depot or the shop you

then buy it and you're very happy with

what you've got

hopefully so production and consumption

have been separated they're very very

far removed from each other

3d printing gives us a chance to do

something slightly different which is to

combine these two things by removing

that that that and that and so we have a

much closer link between production and

consumption so the picture to represent

that would be this you actually make the

production system the 3d printer locally

smaller more accessible more

customizable more usable and so the

production consumption emerged together

could go well why would you want to do

that well here's a few reasons so at the

moment if you want something a spare

part or a tool or I don't know a

chocolate bar or something you have that

delivered to you you don't really care

where it's made now if you happen to

live in a place like this getting the

things you want is quite tricky because

you have to have one of these to get

that thing you want all the way up there

okay and that's fine these Rockets are

getting cheaper and better and it's fine

to have things delivered into space but

it's still a bit risky and still a bit

expensive so what they've done is to say

why don't we squish these two things of

production and consumption together and

so if you look now there is an astronaut

on the International Space Station who

has 3d printed a particular component a

little wrench there that he needs

may not be very exciting making a little

bit of plastic like that but it

indicates a fundamental change in how we

think about where we make things and

where we use things and how they can be

closer together but again every probably

one in 10 TED talks has to talk about

NASA and say what NASA do it this way so

that's fantastic and people go yeah but

the rest of the world doesn't well here

we go

here is another way that's perhaps a

little more relevant to more people

which is in disaster zones things go

badly wrong in disaster zones people get

displaced and they need stuff stuff has

to be shipped to the right place but

there are all sorts of issues to do with

how aid agencies get materials and goods

to where they're needed so here is a

great picture that is a camp for

displaced people after the Nepal

earthquake and the lots of little things

that are needed that are actually very

hard to get for example if a pipeline in

a town has been broken waters pouring

out you want to connect that pipe

together again but perhaps you need to

collect connect a big plastic pipe to a

little plastic pipe or a bigger metal

pipe to a plastic pipe to connect those

two things it's very difficult and to

stop the leakage so what these engineers

and this great organization called feel

ready have done is to take 3d printers

to places like this and you print the

object that you want right there they

mainly need one but the cost and

complexity of trying to get that source

from somewhere else and shipped all the

way there would take far too long and

just be be no good at all

so there it is 3d printer on a land

rover bonnet being printed outside a

camp in Nepal so there's more though

because not only do you start to say

well we start to put these printers

close to where people need stuff we can

now also start to say well hang on

someone else might go I like what you've

printed there can I have that to someone

else with another printer might say well

I've got a different kind of printer

that can do that a bit quicker a bit

better a bit faster maybe someone else

has that same offer as well but perhaps

is another person who needs something

made as well so suddenly you start to

see this network forming where people

are connecting on a local basis between

production and consumption in this

community approach and so you might say

well that sounds like a nice dream to

have but of course it is happening

organizations like 3d hubs there we have

30,000 3d printing services all

connected together to allow people to

access 3d printers which gives over

billion people access to 3d printing

technology thanks to the connectivity

between all these small local hubs it

goes on there's more and so we start to

see things like these the Renaissance of

the maker movement and Cambridge we've

got Cambridge make space where people go

to make things to repair things to come

up with new ways of connecting with

physical objects and and being involved

in that process and that's you go okay

3d printers and make spaces all sounds

very nice this is going to do anything

well colleagues at the Royal College of

Art running a project called future make

spaces are doing exactly this they're

saying these 3d printers put in to make

spaces connected together can do

something amazing and they're looking at

the top left there how the make spaces

are configured bottom left there how

they fit into local communities top

right how it connects to the broader

digital environment and bottom right

there how this fits and effects things

on a national or international scale as

well so it really is doing something

amazing and if that wasn't enough it

goes even further because the UK has a

chronic shortage of Engineers of course

we should have more engineers engineers

make the world better slightly biased

but I'll say that anyway we're not

getting enough of them one of the

problems is having lots of kids have

grown up highly competent at using bits

of metal with a glass sheet on the front

and they can navigate this virtual world

way better than my generation perhaps

your generation can so what 3d printing

offers is another solution to another

problem which is to connect younger

people today with from the virtual world

connecting it to the physical world and

look what's going on there you got all

these school kids working on their

screens where they're very comfortable

directly connected to a 3d printer to

make something that will appear before

their very eyes it's connecting the

virtual and the physical to give people

a real understanding of how important

making things in engineering is so

coming to a close I promised at the

beginning I would give you a nice simple

unambiguous answer to that question

there and I can hope you'll see from the

story I've told the layers we've built

up there that there is a very clear

simple answer to that question and that

is maybe

because we don't know enough about this

yet what I'd leave with you as a final

message is that if you'd like to know

more about what's going on with 3d

printing and how it might affect their

our our lives in the future

please have a chat with me afterwards

we'll go to wet that website there thank

you very much