3D printing technology entails the use of 3D printers in creating objects that have definite shapes. It has been applied in many areas since 1984, but its application in medicine took place for the first time in 2014 (3D printers, 2014). The printers can print human organs such as hands, pelvis, legs, and many other parts. Though this technology has not affected me in any way, it captured my attention when experts printed a left hand for a five-year British girl in October 2014.
I think this technology will have a great impact on medicine. On-going research is on the possibility of printing internal organs. If it succeeds, it will replace organ transplants between human beings. Therefore, it has a bright future.
However, it requires special skills in the workplace. Notably, doctors need to learn how to use the printer in developing organs for patients in need of them. In addition, they need to know how to use them on human bodies.
Advantages
- Replaces the removal of organs from other human beings
- Printing organs are cheaper and easier to get compared to real organs.
Disadvantage
Employees need to be trained on how to use it at the workplace.
References
3D printers: Reviews and comparisons. (2014). Web.