Posted on 31 August 2012 by Adrian Mather – Comments (0)
This week, Barack Obama took time off from surfing Reddit to announce a new business partnership that will pump tens of millions of dollars into developing 3D printing technology. That got us thinking - what other new technologies will shape the way that we run our businesses in a few years?
Can you 3D Print a building?
3D printing is already game-changing technology for the manufacturing industry: right now you can print toys, bones, tools, and even business cards - the opportunities for entrepreneurs are endless. The next step of 3D printing is perhaps even cooler - what about using concrete to print an entire building? This technology is real, and opens up the possibility for architects to create as-yet-unimagined buildings - watch this video to see how it works:
Tweet ThisHeadache? I’ll just print an asprin for you...
The future of 3D printing isn’t just super-sized - alchemist Prof Lee Cronin is developing new technology that would allow the creation of “downloadable chemistry” - or, in other words, the ability to print out drugs. By adapting existing 3D printing tech he’s built a mini lab that can duplicate specific chemicals, which has been dubbed the “chemputer”. Time to brush off that chemistry set!
Tweet ThisHello, Computer!
If you’re a Star Trek fan, you’ll know about “transparent aluminium” - the 24th Century material Scotty develops for mankind in The Voyage Home. Well, in yet another inspired-by-Trek move, scientists have only gone and actually created the stuff. The ultra-strong, see-through, aluminium-based ceramic is being hailed as a potential breakthrough for armoured windows and military optics. And reinforced whale tanks, presumably...
Tweet ThisCould wood pulp replace plastic?
Who would have guessed that wood pulp might be the world’s next wonder material? NCC is eight times stronger than steel, transparent, and is being hailed as a replacement for nonorganic plastic. It’s already being used to produce flexible electronic displays and computer equipment, and there’s talk of using it as building materials as well. Who knows - in a few years, you could be sitting in a 3D-printed chair, reading FreeAgent Friday on your fancy new wood pulp iPad.
Tweet ThisFeeling inspired? Think we're missing the next big thing? Hit us up on Twitter and let us know. And have a great weekend!
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Thanks to @freeagent I will never need to use the crappy HMRC payroll software come April.
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