Session 6 – 3D Printing

The 3D printing session was not without wonder and controversy.  They got underway with Liav Koren who started our session by explaining the history of 3D printing and his experiences with it.   Liav, who has a background in architecture, explored the future of 3D printing and where it could lead including making low cost prosethics.

Next on stage was Cody Wilson who founded the company Defense Distributed and creator of the first 3D printed gun.  Cody and Moses sat down to have a talk on stage about his vision, his political views, and why he decided to produce the gun and place the instructions online.  This controversial talk, sparked many conversations, and brought to light another side of the story.

Next we dove into 3D printing and organic matters, we had Axel Guenther take the stage to discuss Microfluidic Bioprinting.  With this kind of printing, Axel is able to print 1 square inch of human tissue in approximately 45 minutes.  He hopes that in the future they will be able to produce a product similar to duct tape that an individual could simply pickup and use when needed.  Currently, the product is being developed to be used on burn victims overseas and right here in Toronto at Sunnybrook Hospital.

Our final speaker before we broke for lunch was Gabor Forgacs who spoke to use about biofabricating meat and leather.  By doing this, not only would it create a sustainable meat or leather product, it would cause no harm to any animals aside from a simple biopsy which causes the animal minimal pain.  Gabor, displayed his genuine leather to the audience to awe and amazement.  Who knows maybe next year we’ll be wearing shoes by Gabor Forgacs?

That wrapped up our 6^th session on 3D printing, stay tuned for our 7^th session on Animal Geeks, sure that is going to be a fun one!