PRINTING THE WORLD IN MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS A research team digs to uncover the hidden risks involved with 3 D technology Many see 3 D printing as the next industrial revolution Machines that can print objects officially known as additive manufacturing have the potential to alter the global economy reshape the manufacturing process and create a new world where businesses can potentially produce their own building materials paints plastics and even medical equipment This new technology is slated to change how many manufacturers do business introduc ing new processes and materials and altering the way manufacturing facilities are designed and utilized While there are still many questions and unknowns one thing is evident 3 D printing brings with it an abundance of opportunities and risks FM Global is focused on understanding the risks associated with this emerging technol ogy and helping clients protect the value their businesses create We re concerned about any new technology that can introduce a new hazard that s not covered by our FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets explains Dr Franco Tamanini head of an internal FM Global group that looks at emerging technologies So we re trying to get our arms around 3 D printing from that perspective FM Global s data sheets are engineering stan dards that provide guidelines for mitigating property risk Fast evolving technology 3 D printing has come a long way from just a few years ago The first commercially avail able machines came out in 2009 and were capable of producing a plastic whistle in just a few hours Universities researchers and other visionaries seized on the new technology and its potential creating a host of fully functional products using just additive manufacturing They have already used 3 D printing to produce parts for bicycles robots and even cars While most of the really cool 3 D printed gadgets are only prototypes 3 D printing has quickly advanced beyond academic and theoretical 3 D printing is beginning to reshape the manufacturing process 18 REASON ISSUE 2 2015

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