The Gravity-Defying Future of Manufacturing | Schendy Kernizan | TED

Schendy Kernizan's company, Rapid Liquid Print, is revolutionizing manufacturing by addressing 3D printing's limitations. Traditional 3D printing requires a platform, and complex geometries are restricted by gravity, necessitating wasteful support structures. This makes it suitable for prototyping but not mass production. Rapid Liquid Print solves this by printing objects inside a reusable, water-based gel. This gel, with a hand sanitizer-like consistency, supports the material as it's extruded, eliminating gravity's constraints. Users design objects on a computer, and the printer precisely deposits material into the gel, creating custom shapes. This process allows for faster production, customizable colors, and gradients. After printing, the part is extracted, and the gel is reused, making the process sustainable. This technology enables mass customization, particularly beneficial for prosthetics and orthotics, where personalized fit is crucial. Patients can be scanned, and custom parts printed rapidly, improving comfort and functionality. This innovation has broad applications, from toys and fashion to automotive and aerospace, potentially inspiring new designs for space exploration and habitats. The goal is to make customized solutions accessible across industries, pushing boundaries in manufacturing.