The Potential of 3D Printing to Progress Global Goals

Last Thursday, +SocialGood, an international community comprised of change-makers who are passionate about global innovation through collaboration, hosted a technology-focused Twitter chat about 3D printing. They used this chat as a way for people worldwide to come together and share ideas to generate conversations around solutions for global goals. The focus of this chat was to explore the potential of 3D printing to progress global development goals. Since 3D printing is making huge advancements across industries, it is important to inform individuals and organizations worldwide on the possibilities that 3D printing can bring to the table by introducing the ways this innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the world by supporting development for even the most remote populations.

People from all over the world joined the conversation Thursday morning, with +SocialGood opening the discussion with questions about what 3D printing is.

In this chat, we will explore the successes and challenges of #3Dprinting to support international development. Join the conversation with #SocialGoodTech!

— +SocialGood (@plus_socialgood) May 31, 2018

Supporting the opening question were additional questions related to worldwide development, barriers to implementation, accessibility, 3D printing solutions, global goals, sustainability, and areas of potential.

Q5: What is your favorite #3Dprinting solution? #SocialGoodTech

— +SocialGood (@plus_socialgood) May 31, 2018

Q7: How can #3Dprinting make production more sustainable? #SocialGoodTech

— +SocialGood (@plus_socialgood) May 31, 2018

The community was very proactive in sharing some of the innovative ways that they perceive, or have experience with 3D printing and how it impacts development around the world.

A5: My favourite #3DPrinting solution (to a problem) are companies like @openbionics who are making 3DPrinted open-source robotic hands for people (especially children) for a fraction of the cost of other methods #socialgoodtech

— Richard Horne (@RichRap3D) May 31, 2018

The @UN is working to make #3Dprinting more accessible, especially in humanitarian situations. Learn more here: https://t.co/mwUhoMTz1G #SocialGoodTech https://t.co/Xm1vtYxVHH

— Annie Rosenthal (@anniero2727) May 31, 2018

First off with #3DPrinting we only have to #manufacture what is asked out of whats requested vs traditional factories that run non stop and just accumulate products thats about #Sustainability #socialgoodtech

— Tim Postma (@TimPatAlPostma) May 31, 2018

Medicine, education, manufacturing, and the environment are just some of the common themes that were mentioned throughout the chat. Everyone involved was very knowledgeable about 3D printing and its potential to impact innovative development now and in the near future. From 3D printed pre-surgical models to reduced CO2 emissions, the possibilities of 3D printing are endless.

Learn more about some of the ways 3D printing is creating life-changing impacts for the people who need it most.

Read a full recap of the +SocialGood 3D Printing Twitter chat here.