5 Amazing Things Made With 3D Printers

3D printing has become one of the most impressive technologies in recent times. The groundbreaking devices are able to take information from a piece of computer software and instead of printing out a two dimensional image they are able to use special materials to create an exact 3D replica. This allows designers to create all manner of things in their own homes and in a fraction of the time it would usually take to manufacturer a model using traditional methods. Many have put the new technology to innovative use to print spectacular, bizarre and surprising things.


5. A Gun

Perhaps the most controversial thing that has been made using a 3D printer is a gun. Several companies and designers have manufactured working firearms that can fire bullets and only take a few hours to print. These range from the handgun shown above to high-powered semi-automatic rifles, sparking fears that it could lead to anyone being able to get their hands on powerful weapons.


4. Fighter Jets

BAE Systems, are defense and security company, has already begun to use 3D printed parts to assemble Tornado fighter jets that are used in the British Royal Air Force. The company believes that this will save millions of dollars in maintenance and construction costs as the parts can be printed out whenever they are needed and at military bases rather than at their factories.


3. A House

Extra large 3D printers have been created specifically by researchers and hobbyists with the intention of using them to create houses. The equipment is able to print out concrete, spitting it out in layers to create the outline of the building, allowing constructors to not only finish work much faster but also create unique shapes and designs.


2. 3D Printers

In a sort of Inception moment, some researchers have set up the RepRap project, which aims to create a fully self-replicating machine. Early models have already shown they are capable of producing all of the necessary parts to construct another working version of the 3D printer. The end goal is for the machines to be able to evolve and become more complicated, allowing users in poorer countries to print out expensive and much-needed items at a far cheaper price than normal.


1. Musical Instruments

Another popular type of item that is increasingly being made with 3D printers are musical instruments. Guitars are a particular favorite, with the manufacturers claiming that 3D printing allows customers to customize exactly how big an instrument is and what it looks like to best suit their needs.