While the medical possibilities of 3D printing are in a league of their own, it is important not to forget the more humble achievements that this technology has to offer. In the third and developing world, companies and independent entrepreneurs are honing the powers of 3D printing for social good. As a matter of fact, it is these acts of kindness that are pushing the boundaries of AM technologies and setting the bar higher than ever before. Don’t believe me?
Shanghai-based engineering company WinSun are breaking ground in affordable housing, after recently constructing a ‘small village of ten 200 square-meter concrete buildings’ in just under a day, for approximately $4,800 each. These small houses were created using recycled industrial wastes mixed with cement to create fully sustainable accommodation, at an estimated “50% cut of traditional construction costs”, according to their CEO Ma YiHe. Through the continued success of projects such as this, we are likely to see a significant improvement in homelessness rates across the globe, and undeniably improving the quality of life for the people living in third-world countries.
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Constructed from recycled industrial wastes and cement, these houses are paving new ground
Source: http://www.gizmag.com/china-winsun-3d-printed-house/31757/
Protoprint is a collaboration with Waste Picker Cooperatives Promoting the production of 3D printer filaments by recycling plastic wastes in India. Not only does this generate more environmentally friendly resources to print with, but also empowers and financially supports the waste pickers (with an 15x increased wage) responsible for cleaning up the streets and cities of India. For more information about their organisation and products, please visits their website.
Arguably, this is only the start of social good through AM technologies, and there are many more causes out there just waiting to be discovered. Withimproved technologies and affordable prices, there is no denying the immense impact that we can have in shaping our world.
LINKS
3D printed houses build in days: http://www.3ders.org/articles/20140401-10-completely-3d-printed-houses-appears-in-shanghai-built-in-a-day.html
Ethical fair-trade 3D printing: http://www.protoprint.in/protoprint-ethical-fairtrade-3d-printing.htm
3D Industrial Revolution 