A 3D printer builds a three-dimensional object from a computer based design. It works by applying multiple layers until the object is created. 3D printing has become a huge innovation in the production and engineer world and is being used by many  millennials, engineers, architects, and others in similar fields. These printers have helped with many projects, especially when you do not have or cannot get the component needed. 

“Globally, 1.42 million units of 3D printers were shipped in 2018 and the global 3D printing market size was valued at USD 11.58 billion in 2019,” according to Grand View Research. 

Currently 3D printers are being used to manufacture equipment being used to combat COVID-19 during this pandemic.

Senior Nathaniel Taing is in the world of 3D printing and has been engaged in the uses of the printer today. Taing has always liked to build stuff and started watching youtubers who use 3D printers. He then began to research good 3D printers to learn more about them and how to use them. 

“I bought my first 3D printer last year, and it’s been the greatest investment I ever made,” senior Nathaniel Taing said. 

During quarantine he has been printing a bunch of face shield parts for Operation Shields Up. The organization prints, sanitize, and assembles 3D printed face shields to donate. There has been an ongoing shortage of proper equipment involving healthcare and hospitals. 

Operation Shields Up ensures that first responders, healthcare workers, and others in the field of the current COVID-19 pandemic have the protection they need. Unfortunately, they can only print a small amount of items at a time and have asked for people to donate any face shields or parts they may need to make them. 

“Right now I’m printing the bottom chin part of the face shield since they’re in desperate need for those,” Taing said. 

Face shields are important for workers to have because it protects them from rubbing their eyes or touching other parts of their face and other outside factors. Face shields are essential to healthcare workers and others in the related fields when they are around people all the time.

“The average consumer 3D printer costs around $700. The cheapest 3D printers start at around $200. High end consumer 3D printers can cost several thousand dollars,” according to 3D Insider. 

The cost of 3D printers now are not as expensive as they used to be and now are affordable depending on the type and quality of the printer. 

Technology is playing a huge role in the world at the moment due to physical distancing. People are using technology to stay in touch with friends and family and students are completing school online. 3D printers are in major use for healthcare reasons and many people around the world are printing face shields to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.