There have been several technological breakthroughs over the past few decades that have been able to shake the world. One of the more iconic devices that was developed is the 3D printer. This device is able to build 3D objects according to instructions in a digital file.

There are several types of 3D printers, each for different purposes. They use materials such as plastic, metal, and ceramics, among others. You could even print food!

Here are five major things that 3D printing is doing for the world:

1 – Making education easier

3D printers will become common classroom equipment in no time. Today, teachers are increasingly using 3D printing to aid their teaching. It can be used for a variety of subjects, from history to science.

Students often struggle to understand concepts and things that they cannot see and feel. With 3D printing, they will be able to touch and hold bones, historical artifacts, kidney models, and other things that are hard to get a hold of. They will have a greater understanding of previously vague concepts. Kids may be inspired by 3D printing and have an interest in physics and engineering, too.

2 – Revolutionizing the medical field

Medical care will be improved by 3D printing, and it will probably be a lot cheaper, too. It will be easier than ever to print prosthetics, bones, and other things custom-fitted to the patient. Not to mention that researchers will benefit from the ease with which they can build models to make their research go faster. There are even 3D bioprinters that can print human tissues, and soon will be producing custom organs for those who need replacements.

3D printing has the ability to build detailed, intricate items. They can be made to be especially lightweight if you choose the right material. Soon, prosthetics will be much more comfortable and will fit the patient perfectly.

3 – Making dining on demand a reality

Why cook when you could 3D print dinner? This technology makes it possible for you to customize your meal. In a couple years, there may even be restaurants with nothing but 3D printers and ingredients. On-demand dining used to be just a pipe dream from Back to the Future, but it’s soon becoming reality.

4 – Reducing shipping pollution

Shipping goods across the country requires major use of energy, gas, and transportation. Later, when people are able to 3D print items in their locale, there won’t be nearly as much items being shipped to and fro. Therefore, there will be less ships, trucks, and planes carrying products that still do need to be shipped, resulting in reduced amounts of pollution.

5 – Expediting construction

In no time, 3D printing will be used to print larger objects – buildings, even. It won’t be long before people design structures using software and then print the parts with a 3D printer. You won’t need a construction crew the size that you previously would have needed to build your home.

As of now, most people don’t have the technical skill to manufacture homes that have structural integrity. That being said, it is already commonplace for smaller items such as floor panels and sockets to be produced using these revolutionary printers.