A Revolution in the Making

Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324063304578522812684722382.html?KEYWORDS=3d+printing

In this article, the author talks about how advances in digital technology is revolutionizing manufacturing and may revive American industry.  The article begins with Ken Hislop, a manufacturing engineer who works at a General Electric Co. factory.  The author describes how digital technology impacts how Hislop works.  The author then talks about how advances in technology can lead to a new Industrial Revolution.  After that, the author talks about the 3-D printer, which enables manufacturers to produce items in a new way significantly different from the old production-line model.  By a process called additive manufacturing, 3-D printers can fabricate various three-dimensional objects such as shoes, fuel nozzles for airplanes, and even artificial limbs and human tissue using a variety of materials. One 3-D printer actually succeeded in duplicating itself.  3-D printers can produce higher-quality goods with much greater efficiency.  Also, the decrease in prices of these printers will facilitate their widespread use.  Despite all of the pros of 3-D printing, these printers also pose new challenges.

As a strong supporter of technology, I am optimistic about the potential of 3-D printers to positively impact people's lives.  However, I am also aware that there are a few cons of 3-D printing as well.  As Romin said before, 3-D printers, which have the potential to create an endless supply of goods, can cause the global economy to crash.  Also, the possibility to create a functioning gun with a 3-D printer can increase gun violence by making guns easier to acquire to those who should not handle them.  Therefore, the upcoming wave of new technology is exciting but frightening at the same time.