5 Interesting 3D-Printed Creations

The main problem with today's conventional prosthetics is that they're incredibly expensive due to the fact that they're made of costly materials and to the needs of the individual. That said, companies like Open Bionics are doing their part to change this.

For example, one of their 3D-printed prosthetics can be created in just over 42 hours for a price tag just north of $3,000 -- a figure that's 30 times cheaper than the alternatives being offered. In time, doctors should be able to provide all of their patients with these amazingly functional artificial limbs.

5. Self-Replicating 3D Printers

Arguably, the most exciting application for a 3D printer is the capability for it to print itself. And that's exactly what Adrian Bowyer, the creator of RepRap, has been able to do. Now anyone in possession of the 3D printer can use the open-source software to produce the necessary parts and create a full-scale, working replica.

As a result, no one can be sure just how many of these devices are actually in existence -- a somewhat scary thought -- and with that, we've come full circle. There's no telling where the journey will end, or if indeed it ever will.

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