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Chapter 4 Hardware, Software, and Mobile Systems
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Figure 4-8
3D Printer
Source: Seraficus/iStock/Getty Images

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Talon. Nike chose to use a 3D printer to produce the cleat because it could create the optimal
geometric shapes for optimal traction. Using a 3D printer, it could design and produce a lighter and
stronger cleat much more quickly than before. Even more interesting, in late 2014 Nike filed a pat-
ent for a new type of 3D printer that can print objects on fabric that won’t distort when stretched.
3D printers have the potential to affect a broad array of industries beyond sporting equipment.
You can get an idea of the scope of change when you realize that 3D printers can print in more than
just plastics (Figure 4-8). They can print in metals, ceramics, foods, and biological material too.
At CES 2015, industry leader MakerBot announced that it will begin selling composite fil-
aments that can be used in its 3D printers. These new composite filaments combine traditional
PLA (polylactic acid) thermoplastic with materials like wood, bronze, iron, and limestone. While
each type of composite filament will require a new 3D print head, the printed objects will look and
behave like their real-world counterparts.
Take the ability to 3D-print in a variety of materials and look for opportunities across the
aerospace, defense, automotive, entertainment, and healthcare industries. What happens when
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it becomes feasible to 3D-print extra-large objects like cars, planes, boats, houses, and drones?
Below are three examples of nontraditional 3D printing. Consider how disruptive each one would
be to its respective industry:

• 3D Systems new ChefJet tm Pro can print complex sugary structures in flavors like choco-
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late, vanilla, mint, cherry, sour apple, and watermelon. With a ChefJet, even a culinary
novice could produce intricate, beautiful, and fully customized deserts.
• Researchers at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences were able to print a
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3D biological structure with blood vessels that could deliver nutrients and remove waste.
This development means doctors will be able to print fully functional replacements for
damaged tissues by simply pressing print. Not only could this save lives, but it could also
lower insurance premiums and the overall cost of health care.
• Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of Southern California has built a large-scale
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3D printer that can print an entire house in 24 hours. This 3D home printer would create
more stable and better insulated structures, use less materials, reduce workplace injuries,
automatically install heating and plumbing, and produce the home at a fraction of the cost.