Design students use 3-D printing to solve real-life problems

Arizona State University students were the subject of a recent azfamily.com article that focused on how they’ve been using groundbreaking 3-D printing and several similar machines for the past few years to make nearly everything, including body parts.

Also known as additive manufacturing, 3-D printing uses a technique in which a spool of heated plastic is pumped out in thin layers to bring computer-generated designs to three-dimensional life. The plastic shells that result can then be sanded, painted and hooked up with proper components to function.   

At ASU, there are display cases full of everything from a power saw to a computer mouse to a fire hose nozzle, all made with the use of the 3-D printing technology.

"We believe we solve real problems for real people by design," professor Prasad Boradkar told 3TV.

Medical researchers have even begun to use the technology to build ears and other body parts.

"It's been quite effective at helping us build organs from scratch," Boradkar said.

While higher-end 3-D printers can run tens of thousands of dollars, lower-end models sell for around $1,000. The relative affordability of the lower-end models could result in a rise in desktop manufacturing at more homes and businesses.