In 2012, Forbes magazine asked the question, “Will 3D Printing Change the World?” and a little over two years later, the answer is unequivocally yes. With the advent of 3D printers, a new frontier of the instant accessibility of materials has been reached. The amount of objects that you can now make with 3D printers is nothing short of staggering. The futuristic printers can manufacture Super Bowl shoe cleats, prosthetic arms for children, concept cars, houses, music boxes, pad locks, lamps, measuring cups and clothing of every sort just to name a few. And some of the items most frequently made with a 3D printer are sculptures.
Image: Flickr
The fact that 3D printers can manufacture sculptures at a mind-blowing rate should be welcomed news to art fans, as the primary benefit to mass producing art is that it significantly lowers the cost of acquiring a cherished sculpture. Whereas before acquiring a lavish and elegant sculpture would be reserved for the elite class, now an art collector with an average salary can obtain a beautiful artistic piece with ease. Websites like Shapeways have thousands of 3D printed sculptures that start as low as $1.50 and can go as high as $78,000. You can seamlessly acquire a 3D printed rendition of the famous Michelangelo statue for $39.99 or grab a zany T-Rex head for $45.
The reality of 3D printing sculptures is that the possibilities are beyond endless. A German company named Twinkind has even made it possible to get a 3D printed likeness of yourself for $300. The 3D printing site Sculpteo even lets you design your own sculpture by uploading a photo online of your desired object. And as always, one of the most important elements of acquiring or sending any artwork is the packing and shipping of the piece. The hands down, quintessential place to start for packaging and shipping of any artwork is Navis Pack & Ship.
