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Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing
Fabricated tells the story of 3D printers, humble manufacturing machines that are bursting out of the factory and into schools, kitchens, hospitals, even onto the fashion catwalk. Fabricated describes our emerging world of printable products, where people design and 3D print their own creations as easily as they edit an online document.A 3D printer transforms digital information into a physical object by carrying out instructions from an electronic design file, or 'blueprint.' Guided by a design file, a 3D printer lays down layer after layer of a raw material to 'print' out an object. That's not the whole story, however. The magic happens when you plug a 3D printer into today's mind-boggling digital technologies. Add to that the Internet, tiny, low cost electronic circuitry, radical advances in materials science and biotech and voila! The result is an explosion of technological and social innovation.Fabricated takes the reader onto a rich and fulfilling journey that explores how 3D printing is poised to impact nearly every part of our lives.Aimed at people who enjoy books on business strategy, popular science and novel technology, Fabricated will provide readers with practical and imaginative insights to the question 'how will this technology change my life?' Based on hundreds of hours of research and dozens of interviews with experts from a broad range of industries, Fabricated offers readers an informative, engaging and fast-paced introduction to 3D printing now and in the future.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2012
56 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 17, 2013
Very interesting read. This technology seems to be on the cusp of "consumer" readiness. Just like computers were not so long ago. This book is not a "how to" it's more concerned with the cultural changes this technology could cause. It opened my mind to some issues that I had not considered. I recommend it to everyone, not just the so called "geek" stereotype.
November 19, 2016
Full disclosure: I am an engineer that works with 3D printers. So I belong to the 'geek sterotype'
It was Ok-ish. I had high hopes when I chose this book but most of the things discussed in this book were boring. The content is well shelved but the writing was irritating. The book could have been really short and interesting if he could control his ramble. Nevertheless, I did learn some new concepts so it was not a complete waste.
It was Ok-ish. I had high hopes when I chose this book but most of the things discussed in this book were boring. The content is well shelved but the writing was irritating. The book could have been really short and interesting if he could control his ramble. Nevertheless, I did learn some new concepts so it was not a complete waste.
November 17, 2022
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, will revolutionize so many aspects of our lives over the coming years. My only regret with reading this book is that it is *nine* years old. That is an eternity in terms of technology. I may very well tweet at the authors and ask them what they would include in a new updated version. I enjoyed the emphasis upon the need for better design tools, as well as the notion that using algorithms to suggest designs would result in faster positive results which could not be visualized by humans alone (without years of tedious work). The notion of multi-material 3D printers sounds amazing. The meta-materials from which the alien spaceships in Arrival were constructed may not be that far off in our future indeed. How will the law keep up in the realm of intellectual property & such? How will we prevent endless firearms from being printed ? (And who is to say that multitudes aren't being printed right now in many home workshops?) Can we start using some plastic material which could (post-use) be melted back down & re-used, thereby minimizing waste? Lots of questions need to be answered. I think I'll go 3D print some silly things to help the future along.
June 30, 2013
Imagine a book that could introduce you to the world of 3D printing and open your mind to the possibilities this technology could unleash. Imagine a book that educates and entertains. Now Imagine a book that that you can't put down yet you constantly stop to reread so as to fully grasp the implications of the authors' statements.
The preceding captures the essence of Fabricated. Fabricated is one of those rare books that unleashes your imagination while educating. The writing is like storytelling, yet educational and the illustrations are a work of art. I had a sense that I would enjoy Fabricated, but the extent, quality, and value of this book far exceeded my expectations.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone with an interest in 3D printing. Whether you are curious, understand a little, or are well versed in the subject matter, I believe that Fabricated has something for everybody.
The possibilities are endless; now what will you do with the information presented within?
The preceding captures the essence of Fabricated. Fabricated is one of those rare books that unleashes your imagination while educating. The writing is like storytelling, yet educational and the illustrations are a work of art. I had a sense that I would enjoy Fabricated, but the extent, quality, and value of this book far exceeded my expectations.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone with an interest in 3D printing. Whether you are curious, understand a little, or are well versed in the subject matter, I believe that Fabricated has something for everybody.
The possibilities are endless; now what will you do with the information presented within?
November 6, 2015
I wasn't super optimistic about this book when I picked it up, but I was actually pleasantly surprised: these guys really know what they're talking about! They describe how 3D printing compares to manufacturing techniques today, and where it might go in the future. My favorite thing is the way the book is outlined: a short chapter on each subject, covering a wide variety of different aspects of 3D printing. All in all, a really great introduction to the topic!
November 25, 2016
Too breathless and too much of an advertisement in places; I don't think this book will hold up very well over time. Having said that, if you want a snapshot of what can currently be done with 3D printing and what is likely to develop in the near future, this book does a good job covering that.
August 23, 2018
The Fab Forge
I recently had the pleasure of hearing Professor Lipson speak at the Toronto Mini Maker Faire a the end of September. The basic idea of 3D printing is that just as you can print a wide range of images in 2D in paper, using inexpensive hardware and a suitable feed of material you should be able to automatically copy or generate any object in 3 dimensions as well. The caveat is... in theory. We're not there yet. But the hardware is now at an affordable price point for hobbyists (low end $1K-$3K) to experiment with and the same hacker mentality of experimentation, sharing and impish fun that fueled the personal computer revolution is once more in play. He lists some of the manufacturers. You could have one for Christmas.
Some of the basic concepts of his talk which are also in the book are the following:
1. Complexity is free. This means that once a design is created it costs no more to create something that is intricate and detailed than something that is simple, an distinct advantage over injection molding.
2. The production chain is short and flexible - no need for retooling. It's a general purpose machine. One can also fab complex items in a single run instead of multiple parts - no assembly or assemblers required.
3. 3D printing favours custom design and low volume. Mass production using 3D printers is not only slow, it requires 10-20x the energy to produce over using molds. But it's good for rapid prototyping and customization. Lipson suggests "cloud sourcing" large runs or complex objects such as a car. A company could send out a tender over the net - send design files to a host of small scale fabricators who would send their completed components back by Fedex the next day.
A point not in the book - he went to a high end 3D manufacturer and asked what kinds of skills people will need to operate these machines. Essentially none. Show up on time and sober - that's about it. He sighed. So much for skills training.
There's a lot to fire the imagination. The basic building material for hobbyists is plastic filament, though people have been experimenting with other materials such as cookie dough and sugar, even chocolate. Customized plastic braces for teeth and orthotics are a reality, customized bone for hip replacement, replacement cartilage, tissue and muscle, not yet, but 3D bio printing is being worked on.
At a high level you get other materials such as cement and metals. There is also the possibility of composite manufacture of mixed materials with unusual properties such as customized strength were needed and self healing bumpers and even custom clothing. One of the more fascinating applications was replicating museum artifacts in Egypt simply sending a cat scan back as a file. Everything is reproduced, including the writing on the inside, which students and archeologists could then freely break open to examine without damaging the original.
The authors do not neglect the potential dark side of this technology. If you can scan it you can reproduce it - huge implications for copyright protection. Nor is legal liability that clear. Terrorists could easily manufacture plastic guns avoiding background checks - the ultimate "killer app". This has already been used as a plot device in the TV series Sherlock. Pollution is also problem. Fabbing produces more waste per unit and adding to our pollution woes, the hacking mentality produces more failed attempts. The higher cost of traditional manufacture means fewer items get built with more forethought put in. Lower the cost and the temptation exists to churn out multiple prototypes, and since the common type of plastic used is non-recyclable, they wind up in the dump. There's the potential of printing food with specific nutritional characteristics, but more likely customized forms such as cake decoration. Designer foods would be a boon for molecular gastronomy but so would new composite recreational drugs. Conversely one is likely to see a mini boom in the design of sex toys along with perplexing self inflicted medical emergencies as a consequence of poorly thought out design. ;-)
The book is written with enthusiasm and offers a sense of excitement as to what the next technological revolution is going to be doing an excellent job of selling the concept. However a dose of reality is needed. Most of the fabbers I talked to pointed out that there is a learning curve. Making an item takes a few hours and it may several iterations to get it right. Scanners are often separate purchases at equivalent prices. One does have to tinker and the machines need to be tended to - it's not uncommon for something to go wrong and one winds up with a blob of plastic wires.
It's an entertaining overview that gets you thinking of what's possible. It doesn't tell you the next step - how to go about doing it.
Recommended!
I recently had the pleasure of hearing Professor Lipson speak at the Toronto Mini Maker Faire a the end of September. The basic idea of 3D printing is that just as you can print a wide range of images in 2D in paper, using inexpensive hardware and a suitable feed of material you should be able to automatically copy or generate any object in 3 dimensions as well. The caveat is... in theory. We're not there yet. But the hardware is now at an affordable price point for hobbyists (low end $1K-$3K) to experiment with and the same hacker mentality of experimentation, sharing and impish fun that fueled the personal computer revolution is once more in play. He lists some of the manufacturers. You could have one for Christmas.
Some of the basic concepts of his talk which are also in the book are the following:
1. Complexity is free. This means that once a design is created it costs no more to create something that is intricate and detailed than something that is simple, an distinct advantage over injection molding.
2. The production chain is short and flexible - no need for retooling. It's a general purpose machine. One can also fab complex items in a single run instead of multiple parts - no assembly or assemblers required.
3. 3D printing favours custom design and low volume. Mass production using 3D printers is not only slow, it requires 10-20x the energy to produce over using molds. But it's good for rapid prototyping and customization. Lipson suggests "cloud sourcing" large runs or complex objects such as a car. A company could send out a tender over the net - send design files to a host of small scale fabricators who would send their completed components back by Fedex the next day.
A point not in the book - he went to a high end 3D manufacturer and asked what kinds of skills people will need to operate these machines. Essentially none. Show up on time and sober - that's about it. He sighed. So much for skills training.
There's a lot to fire the imagination. The basic building material for hobbyists is plastic filament, though people have been experimenting with other materials such as cookie dough and sugar, even chocolate. Customized plastic braces for teeth and orthotics are a reality, customized bone for hip replacement, replacement cartilage, tissue and muscle, not yet, but 3D bio printing is being worked on.
At a high level you get other materials such as cement and metals. There is also the possibility of composite manufacture of mixed materials with unusual properties such as customized strength were needed and self healing bumpers and even custom clothing. One of the more fascinating applications was replicating museum artifacts in Egypt simply sending a cat scan back as a file. Everything is reproduced, including the writing on the inside, which students and archeologists could then freely break open to examine without damaging the original.
The authors do not neglect the potential dark side of this technology. If you can scan it you can reproduce it - huge implications for copyright protection. Nor is legal liability that clear. Terrorists could easily manufacture plastic guns avoiding background checks - the ultimate "killer app". This has already been used as a plot device in the TV series Sherlock. Pollution is also problem. Fabbing produces more waste per unit and adding to our pollution woes, the hacking mentality produces more failed attempts. The higher cost of traditional manufacture means fewer items get built with more forethought put in. Lower the cost and the temptation exists to churn out multiple prototypes, and since the common type of plastic used is non-recyclable, they wind up in the dump. There's the potential of printing food with specific nutritional characteristics, but more likely customized forms such as cake decoration. Designer foods would be a boon for molecular gastronomy but so would new composite recreational drugs. Conversely one is likely to see a mini boom in the design of sex toys along with perplexing self inflicted medical emergencies as a consequence of poorly thought out design. ;-)
The book is written with enthusiasm and offers a sense of excitement as to what the next technological revolution is going to be doing an excellent job of selling the concept. However a dose of reality is needed. Most of the fabbers I talked to pointed out that there is a learning curve. Making an item takes a few hours and it may several iterations to get it right. Scanners are often separate purchases at equivalent prices. One does have to tinker and the machines need to be tended to - it's not uncommon for something to go wrong and one winds up with a blob of plastic wires.
It's an entertaining overview that gets you thinking of what's possible. It doesn't tell you the next step - how to go about doing it.
Recommended!
November 6, 2018
Fabricated tells the story of 3D printers, humble manufacturing machines that are bursting out of the factory and into homes, businesses, schools, kitchens, hospitals, even the fashion catwalk. The magic happens when you plug a 3D printer stampa 3d into today's mind-boggling digital technologies stampante 3d stampante 3d. Add to that the Internet, tiny, low cost electronic
June 10, 2023
Great overview of the state of the art of 3D printing, written by an expert in the subject.
I was surprised to know the impact of 3D printing in such places like the the food and health industries.
Also talks a bit about the potential legal ramifications of 3D printing.
In general, a good first book for people like me, still a bit lay in the matter.
I was surprised to know the impact of 3D printing in such places like the the food and health industries.
Also talks a bit about the potential legal ramifications of 3D printing.
In general, a good first book for people like me, still a bit lay in the matter.
August 20, 2025
Though it's probably a bit dated now, being 10 years old, this book was a great over view of 3D printing from home to industrial and medical aspects.
Some of the things in here were well-known to me, while some were interesting things I'd never heard. Good read for anyone interested in 3D printing or learning about why others are.
Some of the things in here were well-known to me, while some were interesting things I'd never heard. Good read for anyone interested in 3D printing or learning about why others are.
November 11, 2017
Hod does an awesome job of outlining the current state of 3D printing and delving into each probable possibility this tool can be applied to. For those interested in learning about additive manufacturing, I highly recommend this read.
January 20, 2019
Decent introduction to the world of 3d printing. Most of it is clearly surface level discussion, and the book might a little dated by now (2013) but in the end the author did succeed in illuminating the concepts.
April 7, 2022
I had hoped this would be more of a how-to book. But instead it talked about the status of 3D printing in the world. It was pretty interesting and wide ranging, covering science, art, hobbiests, professionals, etc. Just not really what I was looking for…
July 18, 2022
Well-written book with a lot of details about 3d Printing and the industry of additive manufacturing. It took me about 4 weeks to read it, but I was a novice and discovered a lot while I was reading.
June 26, 2024
Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
Nice book. The technology of 3D printing has been presented in fascinating way.
Read
December 5, 2018الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد; ميلاد ثورة صناعية جديدة
تأليف: هود ليبسن / ميلبا كيرمان
ترجمة زياد إبراهيم
الناشر: هنداوي
٢٠١٧
قرأت بعض فصول هذا الكتاب حول الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد التي يتوقع لها أن تحتل حيزاً في مناحي حياتنا المستقبلية.
معلومة أساسية لأمثالي محدودي المعرفة التقنية:
الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد هي عملية تصنيع وليست طباعة.
عندما يسمع معظم الناس عن الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد لأول مرة تقفز صورة الطابعة
التقليدية مباشرة إلى أذهانهم. أكبر فارق بين الطابعة التي تنفث الحبر والطابعة الثلاثية الأبعاد هو فارق متعلق بالأبعاد، إذ تطبع الطابعة المكتبية بتقنية ثنائية الأبعاد عن طريق رش الحبر الملون على ورق مسطح بينما تصنع الطابعة الثلاثية الأبعاد أجساماً ثلاثية الأبعاد يمكنك َحْملها في يدك.
الاسم التقني للطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد هو (التصنيع بالإضافة)
تشير كلمة بالإضافة (إلى ترسيب أو دمج المواد الخام في طبقات لصنع جسم صلب ثلاثي الأبعاد)
بينما تشير كلمة التصنيع الى صنع هذه الطبقات وفقاً لنوع من العمليات المنهجية القابلة للتكرار والتوقع. والسمة المشتركة لجميع هذه الطابعات انها تتبع التعليمات من الكمبيوتر لوضع المواد الخام في طبقات لصنع جسم ثلاثي الأبعاد.
المبادئ العشرة للطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد:
- تعقيد الصنع غير مكلف
- التنوع مجاني
- لا حاجة للتجميع
- لا يوجد وقت انتاج
- فضاء التصميم غير نهائي
- لا حاجة لمهارة في التصنيع
- التصنيع مدمج و متنقل
- المخلفات الثانوية اقل
- أنواع لا نهائية من المواد
- الاستنساخ المادي دقيق
هناك تصنيفان رئيسيان لتقنيات الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد؛
- الأول يرسب طبقات المادة الخام بعضها فوق بعض لصنع الأشياء
- الثاني يدمج المواد الخام لصنع الأشياء.
بعض الفصول التي اثارت اهتمامي:
الطباعة الحيوية بالحبر الحي:
يعتقد المؤلف أن التطورات السريعة في الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد واستخدامها في التقنيات الطبية سيغير شكل الطب في المستقبل و ستكون مثل ينبوع الشباب.
حيث أن الحلم المستقبلي هو طباعة الأنسجة الحية و المفاصل والغضاريف الحية و صمامات القلب.
حالياً يمكن للطابعات الثلاثية الأبعاد صنع نماذج خاصة للتدريب الجراحي حسب الطلب و تقاويم الأسنان و الأطراف الصناعية مع الكثير من الاستخدامات الأخرى.
المطبخ الرقمي:
سيكون الطاهي الجديد خاصتك طابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد تقبع في مطبخك موصلة بالإنترنت تنتظر رسائل نصية أو بريداً إلكترونياً بتعليمات حول وجبتك القادمة.
صحيح انه لن ترى أي طابعة تجارية ثلاثية الأبعاد للطعام في متجر محلي للإلكترونيات، لكن بعد بضع سنوات، ربما تُباع هذه الطابعات في متاجر الأجهزة المنزلية
و يستغرق المؤلف في التفاصيل و يشطح بالخيال أحياناً
و يقول انه في انتظار ( التطبيق القاتل) الذي سيكون فتحاً لهذا المجال و سيكون هناك طابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد لصنع الطعام في كل منزل.
مصنع داخل الفصل المدرسي:
في هذا الفصل يتناول المؤلف آفاق استخدام الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد في المجال التعليمي
مثل التعلم بالصنع: تدريس الهندسة للأطفال و استعمالاتها في المراحل الثانوية و
و أيضاً الاستخدام الإجرامي الممكن
التفاصيل الكثيرة في الكتاب يبدو انها ستفيد أهل التخصص
أما غير المتخصصين سيكون التصفح كاف لهم
تأليف: هود ليبسن / ميلبا كيرمان
ترجمة زياد إبراهيم
الناشر: هنداوي
٢٠١٧
قرأت بعض فصول هذا الكتاب حول الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد التي يتوقع لها أن تحتل حيزاً في مناحي حياتنا المستقبلية.
معلومة أساسية لأمثالي محدودي المعرفة التقنية:
الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد هي عملية تصنيع وليست طباعة.
عندما يسمع معظم الناس عن الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد لأول مرة تقفز صورة الطابعة
التقليدية مباشرة إلى أذهانهم. أكبر فارق بين الطابعة التي تنفث الحبر والطابعة الثلاثية الأبعاد هو فارق متعلق بالأبعاد، إذ تطبع الطابعة المكتبية بتقنية ثنائية الأبعاد عن طريق رش الحبر الملون على ورق مسطح بينما تصنع الطابعة الثلاثية الأبعاد أجساماً ثلاثية الأبعاد يمكنك َحْملها في يدك.
الاسم التقني للطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد هو (التصنيع بالإضافة)
تشير كلمة بالإضافة (إلى ترسيب أو دمج المواد الخام في طبقات لصنع جسم صلب ثلاثي الأبعاد)
بينما تشير كلمة التصنيع الى صنع هذه الطبقات وفقاً لنوع من العمليات المنهجية القابلة للتكرار والتوقع. والسمة المشتركة لجميع هذه الطابعات انها تتبع التعليمات من الكمبيوتر لوضع المواد الخام في طبقات لصنع جسم ثلاثي الأبعاد.
المبادئ العشرة للطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد:
- تعقيد الصنع غير مكلف
- التنوع مجاني
- لا حاجة للتجميع
- لا يوجد وقت انتاج
- فضاء التصميم غير نهائي
- لا حاجة لمهارة في التصنيع
- التصنيع مدمج و متنقل
- المخلفات الثانوية اقل
- أنواع لا نهائية من المواد
- الاستنساخ المادي دقيق
هناك تصنيفان رئيسيان لتقنيات الطباعة الثلاثية الأبعاد؛
- الأول يرسب طبقات المادة الخام بعضها فوق بعض لصنع الأشياء
- الثاني يدمج المواد الخام لصنع الأشياء.
بعض الفصول التي اثارت اهتمامي:
الطباعة الحيوية بالحبر الحي:
يعتقد المؤلف أن التطورات السريعة في الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد واستخدامها في التقنيات الطبية سيغير شكل الطب في المستقبل و ستكون مثل ينبوع الشباب.
حيث أن الحلم المستقبلي هو طباعة الأنسجة الحية و المفاصل والغضاريف الحية و صمامات القلب.
حالياً يمكن للطابعات الثلاثية الأبعاد صنع نماذج خاصة للتدريب الجراحي حسب الطلب و تقاويم الأسنان و الأطراف الصناعية مع الكثير من الاستخدامات الأخرى.
المطبخ الرقمي:
سيكون الطاهي الجديد خاصتك طابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد تقبع في مطبخك موصلة بالإنترنت تنتظر رسائل نصية أو بريداً إلكترونياً بتعليمات حول وجبتك القادمة.
صحيح انه لن ترى أي طابعة تجارية ثلاثية الأبعاد للطعام في متجر محلي للإلكترونيات، لكن بعد بضع سنوات، ربما تُباع هذه الطابعات في متاجر الأجهزة المنزلية
و يستغرق المؤلف في التفاصيل و يشطح بالخيال أحياناً
و يقول انه في انتظار ( التطبيق القاتل) الذي سيكون فتحاً لهذا المجال و سيكون هناك طابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد لصنع الطعام في كل منزل.
مصنع داخل الفصل المدرسي:
في هذا الفصل يتناول المؤلف آفاق استخدام الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد في المجال التعليمي
مثل التعلم بالصنع: تدريس الهندسة للأطفال و استعمالاتها في المراحل الثانوية و
و أيضاً الاستخدام الإجرامي الممكن
التفاصيل الكثيرة في الكتاب يبدو انها ستفيد أهل التخصص
أما غير المتخصصين سيكون التصفح كاف لهم
August 11, 2014
Uma visão muito interessante do panorama da impressão 3D, que consegue equilibrar o deslumbre com a tecnologia com um profundo conhecimento do campo e considerações mais práticas. Abre com o género de previsões hiperbólicas sobre um radioso futuro alimentado pelas mirabolantes impressões em 3D, um tom que ressurge ao longo do livro, mas depressa mergulha nos detalhes da tecnologia, possibilidades de evolução e implicações. Toca num pouco de tudo, desde a predição utópica às considerações ambientais da tecnologia.
Torna-se pertinente ao analisar a fundo os vários tipos de impressoras 3D no mercado e em laboratório, não se ficando pelas de extrusão de filamento. Neste capítulo a visão é muito detalhada, analisando as tecnologias de estereolitografia, corte por laser, impressão de camadas, impressão multi-cor e multi-materiais e sinterização a laser. Outro ponto de interesse prende-se com a atenção que dá aos processos de design digital e conceptual como elementos fundamentais na impressão 3D, reflectindo sobre hábitos enraizados por tecnologias antecessoras, novas possibilidades e a importância de uma boa conceptualização antes de avançar para a materialização.
Para os meus objectivos o melhor deste livro foi o destaque dado à impressão 3D na educação. Se esperavam que o autor se cingisse à educação superior em engenharia e design, ficarão surpreendidos com a atenção dada às possibilidades da tecnologia e experiências já em curso no domínio da educação básica. Detalha o projecto Fab@School com experiências de utilização de impressão 3D inseridas em projectos interdisciplinares que congregam conhecimentos de diferentes áreas disciplinares na elaboração de objectos. Esta análise é feita sem histerismos de optimismo do tipo vamos meter uma impressora 3D em todas as salas de aula, antes segue o pragmatismo da importância de ter estratégias de abordagem bem concebidas para que o potencial educativo desta tecnologia seja bem aproveitado, nos domínios da resolução de problemas, pensamento de design e capacidade de fazer e construir.
Sem ser muito profundo, uma vez que ambiciona mostrar em traços largos o panorama desta tecnologia emergente, Fabricated equilibra alguma especulação deslumbrada com análises sóbrias do potencial e problemáticas da tecnologia, alicerçadas por um forte conhecimento in loco das suas vertentes. Uma excelente introdução ao campo do 3D printing.
Torna-se pertinente ao analisar a fundo os vários tipos de impressoras 3D no mercado e em laboratório, não se ficando pelas de extrusão de filamento. Neste capítulo a visão é muito detalhada, analisando as tecnologias de estereolitografia, corte por laser, impressão de camadas, impressão multi-cor e multi-materiais e sinterização a laser. Outro ponto de interesse prende-se com a atenção que dá aos processos de design digital e conceptual como elementos fundamentais na impressão 3D, reflectindo sobre hábitos enraizados por tecnologias antecessoras, novas possibilidades e a importância de uma boa conceptualização antes de avançar para a materialização.
Para os meus objectivos o melhor deste livro foi o destaque dado à impressão 3D na educação. Se esperavam que o autor se cingisse à educação superior em engenharia e design, ficarão surpreendidos com a atenção dada às possibilidades da tecnologia e experiências já em curso no domínio da educação básica. Detalha o projecto Fab@School com experiências de utilização de impressão 3D inseridas em projectos interdisciplinares que congregam conhecimentos de diferentes áreas disciplinares na elaboração de objectos. Esta análise é feita sem histerismos de optimismo do tipo vamos meter uma impressora 3D em todas as salas de aula, antes segue o pragmatismo da importância de ter estratégias de abordagem bem concebidas para que o potencial educativo desta tecnologia seja bem aproveitado, nos domínios da resolução de problemas, pensamento de design e capacidade de fazer e construir.
Sem ser muito profundo, uma vez que ambiciona mostrar em traços largos o panorama desta tecnologia emergente, Fabricated equilibra alguma especulação deslumbrada com análises sóbrias do potencial e problemáticas da tecnologia, alicerçadas por um forte conhecimento in loco das suas vertentes. Uma excelente introdução ao campo do 3D printing.
April 12, 2016
Fabricated by Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman is a fascinating book that takes a look at not only the art, but the possible future implications of 3-D printing. The book itself merits 4 or 5 stars.
It's amazing to see what researchers are doing with 3-D printing right now, in its infancy.
I really love the possible-future scenarios described in the book. They actually seem plausible, most of them. And the smart-design tools and the possibilities they present? Amazing to consider.
I also enjoyed the discussion about which is more "green": large-scale manufacturing like we have today, or small-scale 3-D printing, and the answer might surprise you. It also discussed the possible excessive waste that may result: just as how computers brought more printing instead of less, 3-D printers may mean printing out numerous small changes to designs that don't work instead of carefully measuring and getting it right the first time.
Bad ebook formatter. Bad!
A note about the ebook edition I read: 2 stars ebook edition
There were three ebook ISBNs written in the "front matter" material, so I don't know which specific digital edition this is. (I used the topmost ISBN to choose an edition.)
Whoever formatted the digital ebook file needs to be pilloried. There are 10-20 blank cellphone-screen pages at the end of every chapter. It looks sloppy and is consistently annoying to page through to get to the next chapter. I could forgive that, though. I know EPUB formatting isn't a cakewalk.
The cardinal sin, however, is the chapters that cut off in the middle. Incomplete chapters! I think I only found two of those (up to Chapter 14), but still! The ebook is supposed to contain the whole book. I was really interested in what I was reading, and it just stopped mid-paragraph.
There were also misplaced words, or words out of order within their sentence, or words mish-mashed into other words. That made it hard to read in a few places. Thankfully, this phenomenon wasn't widespread. Someone should have looked the ebook over before pushing "publish."
At least the pictures show up correctly. That's one thing going for it.
It's amazing to see what researchers are doing with 3-D printing right now, in its infancy.
I really love the possible-future scenarios described in the book. They actually seem plausible, most of them. And the smart-design tools and the possibilities they present? Amazing to consider.
I also enjoyed the discussion about which is more "green": large-scale manufacturing like we have today, or small-scale 3-D printing, and the answer might surprise you. It also discussed the possible excessive waste that may result: just as how computers brought more printing instead of less, 3-D printers may mean printing out numerous small changes to designs that don't work instead of carefully measuring and getting it right the first time.
Bad ebook formatter. Bad!
A note about the ebook edition I read: 2 stars ebook edition
There were three ebook ISBNs written in the "front matter" material, so I don't know which specific digital edition this is. (I used the topmost ISBN to choose an edition.)
Whoever formatted the digital ebook file needs to be pilloried. There are 10-20 blank cellphone-screen pages at the end of every chapter. It looks sloppy and is consistently annoying to page through to get to the next chapter. I could forgive that, though. I know EPUB formatting isn't a cakewalk.
The cardinal sin, however, is the chapters that cut off in the middle. Incomplete chapters! I think I only found two of those (up to Chapter 14), but still! The ebook is supposed to contain the whole book. I was really interested in what I was reading, and it just stopped mid-paragraph.
There were also misplaced words, or words out of order within their sentence, or words mish-mashed into other words. That made it hard to read in a few places. Thankfully, this phenomenon wasn't widespread. Someone should have looked the ebook over before pushing "publish."
At least the pictures show up correctly. That's one thing going for it.
October 20, 2013
This book is a comprehensive introduction to the 3D Printing technology and its implications to our lives, the business models, and our laws in the future. The authors obviously wrote the book to pitch 3D Printing, yet it sometimes feels a little to optimistic, if not utopian. The success and widespread adoption of 3D Printing lies in three key conditions, as many future scenarios depicted in this book suggest. First, the cost of 3D printing will be sufficiently lowered while its efficiency sufficiently boosted to a level that it is feasible to print everyday objects instead of buying mass manufactured products. Second, there is a huge unfulfilled and maybe undiscovered demand for highly customized products, which could be more easily and cheaply 3D printed than traditional manufacturing. Third, to realize the vision of Cloud Manufacturing, the adoption of 3D printing needs to spread fast enough to provide the network effect required by this new distributed and decentralized manufacturing model. Failure to meet any of these three conditions could prevent 3D printing from going mainstream and keep it a hobbyist's toy. I am especially uncertain about the second condition. What and how much we really want to customize? Is there a limit to the extent we want our things unique? I don't know the answers. Moreover, I don't know if there are answers to those questions that would be stable enough to predict the future, for consumers and products constantly shape one another.
September 10, 2016
This book is an ideal introduction to the current state of 3D printing and a great read. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about 3D printing, yet learned a lot from this book. The authors do a great job of surveying both the technology itself and its impact in various areas.
Surprisingly, the authors have a relatively restrained view of the impact of 3D printing. They view it as highly disruptive, yet don't see it as a panacea for all of humanity's ills. The coverage of design software is especially good. While there are many hardware limits, software restricts our ability to use 3D printing's unique strengths to their maximum.
The book also covers important topics like the Open Hardware movement and legal implications. 3D printing will only grow in importance, so if you aren't up to speed on this topic, start here.
Surprisingly, the authors have a relatively restrained view of the impact of 3D printing. They view it as highly disruptive, yet don't see it as a panacea for all of humanity's ills. The coverage of design software is especially good. While there are many hardware limits, software restricts our ability to use 3D printing's unique strengths to their maximum.
The book also covers important topics like the Open Hardware movement and legal implications. 3D printing will only grow in importance, so if you aren't up to speed on this topic, start here.
August 4, 2015
A low-tech and basic introduction to 3D printing. I did find a glaring error in which the author says "PLA can be used for support material and, since it’s water soluble, can be rinsed off with water (not solvents) and reused." This is not true, PLA is not water soluble, I think he meant PVA, but this error makes me question the credibility of other statements asserted by the book. As an introduction to 3D printing, it's accessible to non-tech people. It did provide me with many more resources to consult, which is why I gave it three stars instead of two.
October 14, 2014
Excellent coverage of the subject. Lipson provides enough detail to help you understand the science behind the technology without overwhelming you with techno babble. He covers many aspects of additive manufacturing including present abilities, the future, types of materials, the potential effect on the world economy, new business models, legal issues and more. I found the chapter on medical possibilities to be the most fascinating.
January 3, 2014
Tries to describe the field of 3d-printing in broad terms and the ideologies behind it. And succeeds fairly well. I think that writers fall to be victim of optimism and a but of fanboyism and vecause od that fail to see the some of the things in objective light. All in all recommendable book with lots of great insights.
January 28, 2014
I recommend this book to people newly interested in the topic, because it is accessible to those who have only heard of 3D printing; but it can also benefit anyone wanting a thorough understanding of the implications of 3D printing. It’s an excellent survey of what we learned about printing in 2013.
February 1, 2014
Great overview of the 3D printing industry. Highly recommended for those looking to gain an understanding of the technology's origins, its present applications, and the future societal ramifications of additive manufacturing. It's hard not to get excited when reading about the possibilities such as solar sintering and bioprinting. Enjoy!
January 20, 2015
Really interesting account of the history of 3D printing, where it is now, and where it might be going. It made me realize how broad this concept is! Made me excited for the future, and made me want to be involved in 3D printing as a very real and very promising trend going into the future (3D printed houses? Super materials? Fully operating robots? Batteries? Human organs?)
October 19, 2016
This is a fascinating subject, and what I read of the book was very informative. Unfortunately, there's SO much information in this book that I couldn't handle it all at once. If I had more specific questions about 3D printing, this would be an invaluable recourse. As is, I was able to get a good general understanding from skimming.
December 9, 2013
Great book on the current state of the art, the span of 3d printing, and what the future may hold. Examples mostly look to university projects, the only disappointment I had was I was hoping to hear more about the commercial sector, but that doesn't take away from the work presented.
August 30, 2013
It's an interesting overview of the whole rapidly-evolving field. There isn't much specific detail in any one area. If you've looking for an overview of the field: perfect. If you want to start editing 3D designs - probably not the book for you.
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