The Future Human Podcast #9: Micro Manufacturing

A brand new episode of The Future Human Podcast is now live on iTunes and Soundcloud. This month we examine the phenomenon of Micro Manufacturing, and discover how 3D printing technologies are starting to power a new Industrial Revolution.

Over the next 10 years, we’re going to see digital economics upturn industrial production and the physical world of ‘things’, as emerging printing technologies and the distribution efficiencies of the Internet give individuals the power to challenge the giants of the manufacturing sector.

The advent of affordable 3D printers is offering would-be designers the scope to produce a panoply of products: plastic toys, furniture fixtures, electronic components – even finely crafted chocolates. All of these items can be reproduced today using 3D design files supplied from anywhere in the world, with printing projects like RepRap and Makerbot lowering the economic barriers every year. Meanwhile, enthusiastic communities are creating skill-sharing hackspaces and open source initiatives to support product design.

But will the Micro Manufacturing movement really challenge the behemoths of global trade or will it remain a niche concern? And how will these hordes of ‘makers’ circumvent the problems of digital piracy and ensure their printing enterprises remain profitable?

Podcast host Ben Beaumont-Thomas discusses these questions and others with fellow Futurehumanista Jack Roberts, as well as two Micro Manufacturing pioneers: Assa Ashuach, a product designer and co-founder of 3D printing company Digital Forming, and Soner Ozenc, founder of Razorlab, a laser-cutting company who recently partnered with Ponoko, the global leaders in Micro Manufacturing. We also hear from Brendan Dawes of Beep Industries, a product designer who uses 3D printing to prototype his designs at home.

So download this new episode at iTunes or join the thousands who are following The Future Human Podcast on Soundcloud for updates on new episodes.

Posted by Ben Beaumont-Thomas in AV | January 18, 2012 11:34AM |