The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation Season 3 Episode 3 3D Statuettes

The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 3 episode 3 titled "3D Statuettes" showcases the latest innovations in 3D printing technology and its uses in creating personalized statuettes. Host Mo Rocca explores the practical applications of 3D printing technology, which is rapidly advancing in various fields.

In this episode, we meet the inventor of a 3D printer that can print with metal and the team behind a special 3D scanning booth that captures a person's likeness in just a few seconds. We also learn about the advancements in 3D printing for the medical industry, where doctors are using it to create patient-specific implants and prosthetics.

The episode also highlights companies that specialize in creating personalized 3D printed products, such as jewelry, phone cases, and even full-scale replicas of people. The host meets with the founders of a company that creates 3D printed statuettes of individuals, using their captured likeness in the scanning booth. The company has expanded this technology to capture pets and other objects, offering a one-of-a-kind personalized keepsake.

Furthermore, this episode introduces us to a student team that has developed a novel way to use 3D printing technology for the conservation of endangered species. The team uses 3D printing to create replicas of ivory tusks, replacing the original ones so that they can be rescued and kept out of the illegal poaching market.

Mo Rocca also explores the history of 3D printing and how it has evolved over the years, from its early stages as a low-cost prototyping tool to a powerful manufacturing tool today. Along the journey, we learn about the range of materials that can be used in 3D printing, including plastics, metals, and even wood.

Finally, the episode concludes by highlighting the potential for 3D printing in the future, which includes space exploration and colonization, where 3D printing will allow astronauts to create tools and even habitats on other planets. The host explores the innovations in bioprinting, which use 3D printing technology to produce functional human tissues and organs, as well as the potential for 3D printing to revolutionize the fashion industry.

Overall, The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 3 episode 3 is an inspiring and educational look at the possibilities of 3D printing technology and its impact on various industries. The episode showcases the incredible innovation that comes from a technology that allows for endless possibilities, from personalized statuettes to lifesaving medical implants.