JCPL Teens

No, I'm not making it up.  You can actually scan an object and make a 3-D copy of the object!  Star Trek, meet the real world.  There are a couple of different ways to do 3-D copies but the  cheapest and most popular uses the same method as an ink jet printer.  First the object is  scanned into a computer.  Then the object is printed in layers with  fused polymeric powder.  What  will the future be for 3-D printing?  If you break a bone will they make you a new one?  I'll hold out till it can duplicate Oreos. 

Check out a video of how the 3-D printer works!

Learn more through our Library Database: Science in Context