Some of the myths and truths of 3-D printing

[thewayne]

I was really disappointed to see an episode of Hawaii 5-0 where the plot was someone who worked for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving, i.e. the mint, stole some $100 plates and duplicated them with a 3-D printer. Any interest that I had in the show vanished instantly. Money printing plates have to withstand tremendous force as they're practically embossing the paper, not to mention the precision of the render and the other anti-counterfiting measures built in to the currency.

It's interesting tech, and it will be quite interesting to see how the on-going debate shapes up.

http://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/05/an-insiders-view-of-the-hype-and-realities-of-3-d-printing/

Comments

[silveradept]

I think 3D printing has the possibility to be shut down before it really takes off, depending on how firmly the government wants to clamp down on the idea of weapons manufacturing with printed parts.