When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
From sun up to sun, not only do you rely on polymers to keep your body functioning, but you’re surrounded by them wherever you go (yes, even if you aren’t lucky enough to be a materials testing expert working at Polymer Solutions, Inc.) Don’t believe it? Have a look.
Morning
If you’re like most people you leap out of bed at the crack of dawn and throw both hands in the air, exclaiming, “Hello, sunshine!” Just kidding. You’re probably hitting snooze on that plastic alarm clock or nifty new phone, both of which are likely to have plastic parts. Regardless, you probably want to address some personal grooming before heading into work:
- Polypropylene: What Color Are You Wearing Today?Most people think “leisure suit” when they think about man-made polymers in clothing. How dated! Today’s clothing has range of performance materials that help you stay warmer or cooler, wetter or drier, or just less wrinkly.
- 3-D Printed ToothbrushDo you use a standard toothbrush or a recycled plastic toothbrush? Custom toothbrushes made from 3-D printers and take just 6 seconds to use for maximum cleaning. (Right after eating your 3-D printed food, right?) The materials that go into your toothbrush influence how long it lasts and how well it does its job.
- Polymers and CosmeticsWhether you’re a “shampoo and conditioner only” person or prefer to pull out all the stops, beauty products of all kinds contain polymers. An assortment of film-formers, emulsifiers, thickeners, modifiers, protective barriers, and aesthetic enhancers keep you looking, ahem, sexy … but what you use will be our little secret.
Noon
Phew! Where does the day go? Get up from your desk and notice the polymers in your life at lunchtime:
- No Plastic Sandwich Bags for LunchesUnpack your lunch that you brought in your reusable tote. Plastic sandwhich bags are “out” and insulated, reusable totes are “in.”
- Self-Adjustable Eyeglasses Made of Plastic and PolymerGive your eyes a break from the computer screen. If you wear glasses, you have polymers partly to thank for better vision. Most lenses and frames have plastic and polymer components. Polymers also play a role in bionic eyes.
- Polymers Help Make Drugs Faster, CheaperDon’t forget to take that daily vitamin or prescription along with your polymer-infused meal, too.
Night
Time to wind down from a busy day…
- Doing Laundry With Polymer Beads Saves Water and the EnvironmentYou might also want to do some laundry before tomorrow. Washing clothes at night saves energy and besides, clean clothes don’t just make themselves, do they?
- Binding Polymers Create New Properties for PaperAfter dinner unwind with a good book. Polymers are part of the experience whether you’re reading from the warm glow of a Kindle device to paging through paper.
- Companies Moving Away From Petroleum-Based PlasticsWhen you crawl into bed ready for another day, have pleasant dreams. The use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) will probably increase, thanks to a push from large manufacturers that have joined together to use the plant-based resin. That may even include your mattress.
So there you have it: a small sampling of the ways polymers are woven into our lives on any given day. There are many, many more. Do you have any examples that immediately spring to mind?
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