ABSTRACT
From classrooms to design shops, 3D printers seem to be popping up everywhere. 3D printing is a technology, known as additive manufacturing, that refers to several processes; each is used to create an object by which numerous successive minuscule layers of material are built up under the control of a computer to create that object. Chris' encounters with 3D printing came during his time in Utah, with fused deposition modeling (FDM)/Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printers, but the engineering department had an EnvisionTEC digital light processing (DLP) printer and a Stratasys Polyjet printer. The technology continues to develop and refine, affordable desktop printers capable of directly printing silicone prosthetics will appear and become as commonplace as traditional mold making and casting of prosthetic appliances. Lulzbot makes two of the highest-rated desktop 3D printers, and operates from a philosophy that everyone should be free to use, learn from, and improve the machines they use, and share that with the community.
