Also known as "Additive Manufacturing", 3D printing is a modern marvel. Most people believe that is because you can create novel objects that cannot be manufactured in any other way. However I believe the most incredible thing with 3D printing is the digitisation of the supply chain. No other physical objects can be 'shipped' around the world instantly by its creator. And few other products can be created by someone anywhere in the world with access to a relatively modern computer and free [[Software]]. The difference in creation, storage, packaging, shipping, and production is frankly hilarious. And you only make as many is as needed. Clearance sections in stores filled with manufactured garbage can be a distant dream. ### Conventional - Object is created at place of manufacturer. - It is stored - It is eventually picked and packed - inside of shipping materials experiencing their own supply chain - it is shipped - picked up - moved to centralised shipping location - sorted and shipped to next location - received - Stocked in store - A person travels to the store and purchases - Person travels home and unpacks it - Object ready for use. ### 3D Printing - Object is 'created' at the manufacturer - It is published online for free or cost - Person downloads and opens it in their printer's [[Software]], a [[Slicer]] - Prints - Print completes - Object ready for use. # But It's all plastic! How many objects have you purchased that didn't get stored or shipped or contained in unrecycled plastic in their production and shipping. Even Eco Friendly products are shipped in a box plastic taped closed or wrapped in plastic on a pallet before shipping. Before being put on a shelf with a plastic sticker that came on a sheet of plastic stickers shipped in a plastic wrapped box. Almost all 3D printed objects are recyclable, and the most common ones such as PLA break down to base molecules in the body and environment, rather than just microplastics. Plenty aren't recycled, and don't biodegrade, however it is an improvement from the norm, and improvements are ready to be made.