The U.S. Government is committed to 3D printing

From the point of view of environmental protection , most industry generates gas emissions to the atmosphere either directly or indirectly (what is known as carbon footprint, ie gases generated in the production of energy electricity consumed). For us an idea, 1% of the electricity consumed worldwide is used to feed data centers that exist in the world and, within this group, Google consumes 1% (0.01% of the energy worldwide).

 With the idea of improving industrial processes and make them more respectful of the environment, the U.S. government will make an investment rather unique: the creation of an institute specializing in 3D printing for manufacturing process that forms the basis "a much greener industry" .

In recent years, 3D printing is emerging as one component manufacturing process very fast and, above all, very flexible . We have seen how they are using 3D printed parts tobuild robots , artificial limbs, artificial bones or even being evaluated for use as "continuous parts store" in the international space station. If we add flexibility in use is one of the manufacturing processes that have less carbon footprint, it's no wonder the federal government's interest in U.S. further exploit this technology.

Many times when technology and U.S. partner, the first thing that comes to mind is DARPA and research with military applications but, really, this center aims to go beyond something. While this resolution will be a public-private partnership between the Department of Defense and private entities, the idea is that the use of 3D printing spread, as well as defense, aeronautics and space industry automotive industry or metal.

The Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute , which is the name of this organization will be headquartered in the city of Youngstown (State of Ohio) with the aim of transforming any CAD file to a physical object, rather than pursue the military since time to obtain replacement parts at low cost and, according to the Department of Energy, could save 50% of the energy used to manufacture these parts today. This institution is responsible for finding new uses for 3D printing and minimize the need to import components and parts from abroad , increasing consumption of products made ​​in USA while saving costs, energy and decrease the impact of the carbon footprint their industry.

According to the economic data, it seems that the stakes are pretty firm because NASA, the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce and the National Science Foundation will provide $ 45 million of public funds to start the project ( of those already there for about 30 million) and also expect another 40 million privately funded by consortia of manufacturers, NGOs, universities and research centers.