3D Printing and its amazing applications

by Startacus Admin
It’s always nice to hear about the ways in which modern technology is helping to make a real, measurable positive difference to peoples lives…
We don't mean “Isn't it wonderful, I can sync my phone with my kitchen appliances so my fridge will email me when I'm out of milk” type improvements, but genuinely life changing benefits.
In a move worthy of Willy Wonka, German Food Innovation company Biozoon is developing an appropriately innovative use of new 3D printing technology- a printer which is capable of creating dozens of different meals designed for the elderly or those with difficulty swallowing. What’s special about these meals is that, they look and taste like their traditional counterparts, but being gelatine based literally melt in the mouth of the diner. This removes a significant choking risk and allows those affected to enjoy something more akin to a normal diet.
It might sound like something straight out of a HG Wells novel but, all going to plan, Biozoon hope to have created this miracle of engineering by the end of next year.
A wonderful application for this rapidly developing technology I’m sure you’ll agree and the story really got us pondering and pondering…we wondered if there were many other potentially life changing uses which have come (or will come) from the ever mounting fascination with 3D Printing?
Here’s a quick run-down of the more exciting things we came across;
Body Parts - Not just the obvious things like limbs and facial prosthetics, but mind-bogglingly complex biological structures such as blood vessels, skin, bones and even kidneys! Much to our surprise and delight, these items comprise of actual living tissue which is layered by the printer in the same way as the more traditional plastic substance. There’s quite a way to go yet, but experts are confident that this technology (known as bioprinting) could eventually have revolutionary consequences for human health-care, allowing the printing and implantation of functioning organs, perfectly matched to the recipient’s needs, thus eliminating the need for living donors.
Meat and Animal Products - In something of a Win Win Win move American startup ‘Modern Meadow’ is pioneering research and development of printed meat and leather which can be produced at a fraction of the cost of rearing livestock, in a fraction of the time with a fraction of the environmental impact. Using the same technology developed to create living body parts, Modern Meadows have taken a natural and daring leap but whether or not the public will warm to the notion of such intensely engineered meat remains to be seen.
A Moon Base -Yes we know, people have been predicting the construction of a human colony up there for generations, but now could be the time when it actually happens. In a nutshell, the challenges which accompany working on the lunar landscape have up to this point been far too great to warrant much meaningful investigations. The European Space Agency is now researching the potential for 3D printers to be sent to ‘do the hard work’ using a combination of moon dust, soil and broken rock, called regolith, which would be used to form a concrete-like building material.
Tailored consumer products - This may not sound like a particularly impressive feat when you consider it alongside a printed kidney, but this is one of the aspects of 3D printing which is likely to have the most significant impact upon our lives. This is especially true for those with movement and mobility issues/disabilities as once inaccessible expensive bespoke equipment can now be made in the home at the touch of a button at minimal costs. Some of the items already being created include tailored cutlery, bespoke wheelchair ramps, pen holders and plenty more everyday items.
The most basic amenities for developing nations - For the time being, the vast majority of 3D printers are only capable of creating relatively small items, which means that their application for solving the problems of lack of basic amenities in developing nations such as buckets to transport water, or sanitary toilets simply isn't there. We were very pleased to discover re:3D a company that has created “GigaBot” a 3D printer 30 times the size of a regular desktop model which is more than capable of handling such larger items. But wait, that’s not the most exciting part - eventually they expect that ‘GigaBot’ will recycle plastic from local landfill as its building material potentially helping to solve another massive issue.
We often say it, but rarely do we mean it with such emphatic enthusiasm “We are really looking forward to seeing what they come up with next!”
If like us you are fascinated by all things ‘tech’ then why not take a look at some of this recent stuff we’ve been writing about...
The internet of things- What's that all about then?
Robotiky- The little robot that turns computer programming into child's play
Talking taxidermy and breathing stones- Object Sandbox Announces its winners
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.

Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.

The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.

The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.

Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.

Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.

Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.

The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.

With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 15th April 2014
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.