3D Printers and PIPE-FLO

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minutes 2 seconds. Read Later (Video is 10 minutes)

So there has been a great deal of press about mass-market 3D printers, and their increasing affordability to the Average-Joe, (who just happened to have $1500 lying around). The technology isn’t new of course, but it’s practicality hasn’t been sufficient for in-home use.

So when I happened on the article about the 3D printer that could build a house, or rather print one, I was fascinated by the prospect. The concept of building something so large with a printer and more importantly software was compelling.

I began to envision a piping system, designed efficiently using PIPE-FLO and then printed out using a 3D printer to connect all the pipes, and automate the installation of the major components adding to the efficiency of operation. The speed of completion alone is something to be excited about, particularly in the home building industry. Imagine after a natural disaster like hurricanes, getting people into homes in less than a week? Amazing! But I digress…

I will be interested to see what will become of the large scale printers and how it will be used in the future. Maybe piping systems are not the best use for a printer like this, but maybe it would be. And maybe PIPE-FLO should be the supporting software used in the design of these printed piping systems. The we will have to wait and see what the future holds but I’m excited.

If you had one of the personal 3D printers, what would you print? If you haven’t seen what I am talking about yet, check this TED Talk video out.



Share this blog with your friends!