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When the first 3D printers were developed in the 1980s, the primary applications were for research and development. But nobody could have imagined all the useful, exciting, and quirky things that would be created with the technology years later. From prosthetic applications to fun pop culture items, the possibilities are endless.
In the spirit of discovering what impressive and funny things humanity can do with a little imagination and the right technology, below are three of the coolest items and tools ever 3D printed.
Plastic Cast That Heals Broken Bones
Perhaps one of the best concepts for medical use came to light thanks to the efforts of designer Deniz Karasahin in 2014. It is a 3D-printed cast equipped with a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound system. The system helps bones heal 40-80% faster.
This is not the first application of a 3D-printed tool to help people. In fact, companies are actively working to expand this use case and improve the quality of life for people with injuries and disabilities, such as designing devices that make kitchen tasks more accessible.
Game of Thrones Dragon Lamp
Fan of the show or not, the dragons in Game of Thrones are definitely awesome. So, imagine the sales for an Etsy seller that crafted a creative dragon lamp. The 3D-printed dragon breathes “fire,” which comprises the light-up part of the lamp. Creative, fun, and worth every penny!
3D-printed Electric Violin
To get closer to the perfect musical instrument, 3Dvarius designed a fully functional 3D-printed violin; the envy of every music student. The device uses one sensor per string to get perfect audio accuracy. Beyond that, it’s apparently super comfortable. This stylish and sleek violin could make it possible for more affordable music instruments to be produced in the future.
You Don’t Even Need a 3D Printer
The lack of a 3D printer has not stopped creative minds from making their imaginative dreams come to fruition. The increased interest in 3D printing applications has made it possible for businesses and organizations to invest in tech and help innovators bring their big ideas to life.
Digital manufacturing marketplace, Xometry, lets users upload a model, get an instant quote, and start printing. So you can expect a lot more creative and cool gadgets in the future!
Image Credit: Dragon Images / Shutterstock.com
