5 things you would never know could be 3D Printed


3 burgers made from 'redefine meat'. One being held in a persons hand. A beer is in the background.
Source: Redefine Meat

When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is literally the limit. In this article, we will share some of the seriously impressive things you can create with a 3D printer, so sit back and prepare to be blown away.


1) A bridge… yes a real bridge!

A 3d printed bridge on Amsterdam canal
Source: Dezeen.com

This Stainless steel 3D printed bridge was printed by Joris Laarman in collaboration with MX3D. It’s 12 metres in length and sits in Amsterdam’s red-light district. We love the elegant and unique design that really does resemble the classic 3D printed style.

MX3D's fully functional bridge proves that 3D printing can be used for so much more than just creating miniature figures. As it’s held its own as a technology that can be used to create fully efficient structures.


2) 3D printed Eyeball


Man (Steve Verze) who has a 3d printed prosthetic eye
Source: BBC.co.uk

This 3D printed eyeball belongs to Steve Verze from East London. His 3D printed eye is said to look more realistic than traditional acrylic prosthetic eyes, offering a more natural appearance. Not only this but when compared with traditional prosthetic eyes, the 3D printed eyeball slashes the time it takes to create in half from 6 weeks to just 3!

When moving from traditional painting to 3D printing, the benefits are pretty incredible.


3) 3D Printed Meat

Here’s where things are taken to another level, with 3D printed meat.  You heard that right, actual meat!

A plate with 3D printed steak on next to some salad
Source: TheGuardian.com

Above is the worlds largest lab-grown steak. It has been created by taking living bovine cells from cows tissue, which are used to create ‘bio ink’. This Bio Ink is then used by the 3D printer to produce the steak, which is then matured in an incubator where the stem cells differentiate into fat and muscle, resulting in what you can see above.

For those who prefer a plant-based diet, fear not as ‘Redefine meat’ (pictured below) has changed the game when it comes to meat-free ‘meat’. They have created the worlds first ‘whole cut’ of meat which resemble cuts of beef and lamb.

These super-realistic ‘meats’ use 3D printing technology to intricately replicate the muscle structure of meat, as well as using fat from plants to mimic beef fat and flavours, and colours to mimic blood. The result is plant-based meat that is so similar to animal meat that it can be found in restaurants such as Marco Pierre-White’s steak house.

A platye with plant based 3d printed cuts of meat, places decoratively on a bed of salad with sauce on the side
Source: Timesofisreal.com


4) 3D Printed Living tissue

Leading on from 3D printed meat is the ability to 3D print living tissue. This offers benefits in a range of areas, in particular the fields of medicine and drug testing.

The multi-material 3D bioprinting at the Wyss Institute has created vascularised tissues which are composed of living human cells.

3D printed live tissues
Source:Wyss.harvard.edu


5) 3D Printed Boat

We’ll finish this blog off with one last awesome 3D printed creation, a 3D printed boat! This technology can be used to create both individual small parts as well as the boat overall. We were seriously impressed with the worlds largest 3D printed boat '3Dirigo' which was made by the University of Maine.

This boat is 7.62cm long and weighs 2,268KG and it has been tested by the Alfond Ocean 22 ocean engineering to ensure it is fully functional. One of the coolest things about this is the fact that this impressive boat was printed in just 72 hours.

A 3D printed Boat - Dark grey in colour with word
Source:3dnarratives.com

That concludes our blog, which offers a small insight into the incredible world of 3D printing and its endless possibilities. There is also a range of ways that a 3D printer can benefit you at home, from printing missing screws whilst building furniture to creating replica models or toys for kids.

Plus, they’re not as expensive as you might think as you can find a great range with prices starting from under £200 here at Box. Whether you're looking for Hobbyist 3D printers or Professional 3D printers, there will be something for you. 

Too much choice and not sure what is best for you? We recommend letting our '3D printer buying guide' help. 




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