Fabricated Book Summary - Fabricated Book explained in key points
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Fabricated summary

Hod Lipson, Melba Kurman

The New World of 3D Printing

4.3 (16 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

'Fabricated' explores the world of 3D printing and how it is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. It provides insights into the various applications of 3D printing technology and how it can potentially change the way we live and work.

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    Fabricated
    Summary of 6 key ideas

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    By means of a computer and a design file, a 3D printer can create any kind of object, one layer at a time.

    Even if you’re not very computer literate, you probably know how to use an everyday inkjet printer. You click “print” and the machine spits out a piece of paper with some words or maybe a photograph printed on it.

    A 3D printer is a whole other story.

    Rather than imprinting a two-dimensional piece of paper with ink, a 3D printer is designed to build objects, varying in size and shape, out of a wide array of materials.

    Like a standard printer, a 3D printer can’t do anything without a computer to tell it what to print.

    The computer is needed to send the 3D printer information from a design file, which is basically an electronic blueprint for what you want to build.

    So if you want to print a copy of your favorite seventeenth-century brass vase, for instance, you have to first get the right design file. With that, the computer can tell the printer to fabricate a replica that is an exact match in each and every way.

    The printer does this by painstakingly building a three-dimensional object, one layer at a time.

    For your brass vase, it would start with the bottom, creating a thin, flat layer of brass that represents the base. Once that solidifies, another layer is added to the top of the first one. And this process continues – a new layer being added after the solidification of the last one – until the entire vase is finished. By changing the dimensions of each layer, an object of any shape can be created.

    Using this process, anyone can fabricate any object, as long as the details are contained in the design file.

    In the blinks that follow, we’ll explore the major impact 3D printing will have on our lives, the economy and the environment. But first, we’ll take a closer look at the software that makes it all possible.

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    What is Fabricated about?

    Fabricated (2013) offers a detailed view of the nuts and bolts of additive manufacturing – or, as it is more commonly known, 3D printing. In addition to exploring some of the technology’s more far-out possibilities, these blinks also provide insight into its more personal implications.

    Fabricated Review

    Fabricated (2013) by Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman is a thought-provoking exploration of the current and future possibilities of 3D printing. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers a fascinating look into the disruptive potential of 3D printing technology, revealing its impact on various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing.
    • The book provides insights into the ethical and legal implications of this revolutionary technology, sparking important discussions about its responsible use.
    • With its real-life examples and captivating narratives, it takes a complex subject matter and presents it in an approachable and engaging manner, ensuring readers won't be bored.

    Best quote from Fabricated

    Computer design files are the language of modern engineering.

    —Hod Lipson, Melba Kurman
    example alt text

    Who should read Fabricated?

    • Designers and engineers
    • Inventors
    • Tech geeks

    About the Author

    Hod Lipson is a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University, where he directs the Creative Machines Lab. He specializes in robotics and asking questions about whether they’ll ever become self-replicating. His work has appeared in notable publications such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

    Melba Kurman is a technology writer and blogger who is interested in the impact technology has on our lives. She holds degrees from Cornell University and the University of Illinois. Her other books include Driverless: Intelligent Cars and the Road Ahead and Tech Transfer 2.0.

     

    © Hod Lipson, Melba Kurman: Fabricated copyright 2013, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Used by permission of John Wiley & Sons Inc. and shall not be made available to any unauthorized third parties.

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    Fabricated FAQs 

    What is the main message of Fabricated?

    The main message of Fabricated is how 3D printing is revolutionizing the world of manufacturing.

    How long does it take to read Fabricated?

    The reading time for Fabricated varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Fabricated a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Fabricated is a fascinating read for anyone interested in technology and its potential to reshape industries and society.

    Who is the author of Fabricated?

    The authors of Fabricated are Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman.

    What to read after Fabricated?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Fabricated, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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