Lee Cronin, a Professor at the University of Glasgow spoke at TEDGlobal about his work on 3D printed 'reactionware'. These specially CAD-crafted containers are designed to induce specific chemical reactions, by the interior shape and number of cavities, channels and size. Tailoring the architecture of these reactor wares means totally different chemicals can be produced. Combined with a 3D printer, it is possible for a CAD designer to become his own chemist.
Perhaps GrabCAD needs to add 'CAD-Chemist' to its list of professions in the future?
It could be a definite possibility if current research bears fruit. It might be that CAD files of particular reactorware will begin to be designed, uploaded and shared. All them labeled by the chemicals they produce. All in all, quite a revolutionary development! Dr. Cronin explains how he sees this progressing.
We could use 3D printers to revolutionise access to healthcare in the developing world, allowing diagnosis and treatment to happen in a much more efficient and economical way than is possible now. We could even see 3D printers reach into homes and become fabricators of domestic items, including medications. Perhaps with the introduction of carefully-controlled software ‘apps’, similar to the ones available from Apple, we could see consumers have access to a personal drug designer they could use at home to create the medication they need.
CAD designers, especially those with a biochemistry or inorganic chemistry background, could stand to profit from such a paradigm. Designing, testing and then revising the architecture of a piece of 'reactionware' to create very specific chemicals would be a highly sought after job. The ramifications for the world in general could be huge. At the moment, a lot of talk about 3D printing has revolved around making parts and products. But what of the chemicals and compounds that give everything around life. 3D printing bikes is one thing, but lubricant is absolutely key to actually ride the damn thing. Perhaps you 3D printed this Road Bike by Filemon. Imagine the possibility of cruising through GrabCAD, finding the correct reactionware, downloading it, printing it, adding the right chemicals and BAM. High-grade lubricant. Its total fantasy - its likely a little more complex than that. We can dream, can't we?
Source: Cronin Group
