By Gunasekar, via Wikimedia Commons.
Capitol Hill
3D printing is coming to Capitol Hill this week when Public Knowledge - an American organisation dedicated to open source knowledge and technology - holds its third reception for the manufacturing technique.
3D/DC will highlight 3D printing at the iconic heart of American democracy and law-making with features including examples of 3D printing technology and representatives from various sectors of the 3D printing community such as education, small businesses and commercial outfits.
The event springboards off President Barack Obama's focus on 3D printing in his 2013 State of the Union address, when he stated that 3D printing has the power to revolutionise "the way we make everything". Evidence of this claim is already in abundance, with 3D printing - or additive manufacturing - permeating every industry from medical, with bespoke prosthetics and surgical tools transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals, to aerospace, thanks to the strong, intricate parts this technology can produce.
Representatives from numerous high-profile 3D printing industry players will represent the technology at this year's 3D/DC, with consumer 3D printing juggernauts MakerBot and Shapeways confirmed to be in attendance and willing to answer questions about the latest technology, materials and trends.
The commercial potential of this technology was made apparent at this year's International CES in Las Vegas, where the TCT-sponsored 3D Printing TechZone became a melting pot of innovation, education and possibility for the 5-day event, sparking the imaginations of everybody who visited this bustling corner of the gigantic event, as well at those looking on from around the world.
Last year's 3D/DC was well received, with Members of Congress, Congressional staff and the public visiting the reception. Public Knowledge wants to build on this success and welcomes anybody who wishes to know more about 3D printing and learn how consumers, educational institutions and businesses are using it - and to be a part of this new wave of manufacturing themselves.
The reception will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM local time in the Capitol Visitors Center, HVC-215. It is open to the public and qualifies as a widely attended event. RSVP for 3D/DC through the event page.
"We hope you will be able to join us", organisers stated.
