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Artifact

Response 2a

The computing innovation I chose is 3D printers. The purpose of 3D printers is to be able to build different objects with less material than with regular manufacturing methods. It works by printing out layers and stacking them one on top of the other. The idea is that once you have all the layers stacked in the right places it will create a object thats 3D. This artifact shows 3D printers and the types of objects that can be created by them.

Response 2b

To learn information on this topic I used the google search engine to find sources that I could use for this project. The program I used to create this artifact is GIMP Image Editor. First, I collected some images of 3D printers and the objects that can be made by 3D printers. Then, I took all the images and compiled them into a document on GIMP Image Editor. After that, I added a title and a short explanation on what the purpose of 3D printers are.

Response 2c

The impact on society is that it offers a new way of manufacturing items without the need for multiple machines. One benefit of this innovation is that a variety of different objects can be created by one single machine. (1) This means that instead of having a bunch of machines helping to create on single object you have one creating multiple useful items. This innovation will have a beneficial impact on our culture because it will change the way we build things and allow us to use different types of materials to make things we couldn’t have before.(3) On the other hand, this innovation is harmful because the fumes that 3D printers release can be dangerous. These fumes could be potential carcinogen which can cause cancer.(2) Now that the use of 3D printers is on the rise many people that use these machines could die causing a strain on the economy.

Response 2d

The data my innovation uses are models of 3D objects. The 3D models of these objects are stored into CDA files. The data is used by the 3D printers in order to add all the layers in the right places so that the product can be made successfully. In other words they use the models as a blueprint to build the object. A concern about security is that 3D printers can be used to make counterfeit items. 3D printers do not really need any top secret information on a product to make it. They could just use the product itself as a model and the 3D printer could make one with no problem. This is bad news for both companies because the companies are not gaining any money for the product that is rightfully theirs and may even lose money because consumers are getting their products from other sources.