How 3D printing is enabling the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ | Dr. Tim Minshall | TEDxOxBridge
Summary
TLDRThe 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
🔧 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.
🚀 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.
🌐 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡3D Printing
💡Subtractive Processes
💡Forming
💡Casting
💡Prototyping
💡Mass Customization
💡Production and Consumption
💡Maker Movement
💡Connectivity
💡Engineers
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
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