Since the 1960’s, Computer-aided design, or CAD, has helped shape the way we can draft out and analyze structures we want to construct. The first CAD software consisted of using a light pen to draw lines on a computer screen. We use CAD to make virtual 3D models of buildings or different components. CAD software has become advanced to where anyone at home with a computer can download the software and create designs of their own instead of the software only being available to engineers or scientists. With the addition of 3D printing, people can now take their 3D designs on CAD and turn them into an actual product. At this rate, there are endless possibilities in which CAD can evolve. With the advances we have made in developing the CAD software, it seems possible to create an online store with CAD. There are times where consumers have trouble finding the product they want exactly how they want it. With an online store that is CAD-based, consumers can design their desired product from home down to the last detail such as the material it’s made from to the size they would like. There could even be a feature that lets them know how much their product will cost as they’re creating it. Once completed, the consumer can submit their design to a manufacture where the product can be physically created or even 3D printed. From there, the product can be delivered to or picked up by the consumer. Now the consumer has the desired product they were looking for. In addition to the CAD software, many materials now, such as plane and car parts, are being manufactured using 3D printing. “3D printing also enables manufactures to make designs having interior structures that are impossible to make with traditional manufacturing, resulting in superior product performance.” (Hornick and Roland 3) With this advancement, we can soon reach a point where almost anything can be made with a 3D printer. However, this is a bad sign for manufactures. With 3D printers having the ability to create interior structures in designs where traditional manufacturing cannot, this could lead to the end of manufacturing companies. If manufacturing companies go out of business, then many people would lose their jobs. Another possible advancement would be to print out fully functioning limbs for a human. We are already in a stage where we can print out implants to help fit a patient’s need. “By allowing for customization, 3D printed implants have the added advantage of perfectly matching a patient’s body to provide better fixation, which reduces surgery time and infection.” (Hornick and Roland 2) This is a huge step for the medical field. If we could somehow take this idea and figure out ways to 3D print using human tissue, then we can find a way to help people with amputations have a chance to get their limbs back. These are all fantastic ideas that can change human life as we know it, but it doesn’t mean we will reach these advancements. A setback we need to take into consideration is a lack of money or funds. If no one is interested in developing these programs then we won’t have anyone who plans to invest in them. On top of that, technology can only go so far with our available resources. If we don’t have the materials to make these products come true then we can’t have any hope of advancing ourselves.

Works Cited
Hornick, John, and Daniel Roland. "3D Printing And Intellectual Property: Initial Thoughts." Licensing Journal 33.7 (2013): 12-16. Business Source Premier. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.