3D Printing Stereotypes in Media

By on October 9th, 2014 in coverage, Ideas

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We’re looking at an animated video featuring a 3D printer, but not just to be entertained.

The curious video of something called “World Doctors”, episode nine, “Evil 3D Printer” by Mondomedia features a 3D printer. A bioprinter, actually. We thought viewing this video might be a way to judge how the non-technical, likely uninformed public might be thinking about the technology these days. 

What misconceptions did we find? Here’s a list of some things we observed during the short three minute video:

  • You can 3D print an actual human liver, suitable for transplantation 
  • You can print items merely by imagining something and not providing a 3D model (although the notion of a “fork with straw” is intriguing)
  • 3D printing is instantaneous
  • A 3D printer can print a better 3D printer (also without a 3D design)
  • A 3D printer can choose not to print something (the protagonists attempted to 3D print a gun, but the printer refused)
  • A bioprinter can print non-bio objects
  • 3D printers are sentient machines
  • 3D prints can appear outside of the printer’s build volume
  • 3D printers are evil

Well. If this is the current consumer view of 3D printing, we have a very long way to go. Either in terms of education or making 3D printers smarter. Much smarter. And eviler, too. 

Via YouTube

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!