THE LIGHTER SIDE OF MANUFACTURING 

Now that I’m in my 40s, I’m more acutely aware of the inherent risk of injury in normal, everyday activities. I’ve donated all my shoes with heels higher than three inches. I’ve never been a coordinated person, and a sky-high heel with a platform to match just seems like I’m asking for a broken ankle or two. Last year, I went roller skating for the first time in decades. It took me 30 minutes before I was comfortable enough to let go of the wall, and with each lap, I silently hoped to leave the rink without a bruise, sprain, or broken bone. Luckily, now I know that if I suffer a severe injury, especially to my skull, all I really need is a 3D printer.

Learn more about the medical applications of 3D printing

OFF THE CLOCK

See how designers, engineers, programmers, and STEM professionals across the industry are using their talents in their free time to design and build a more whimsical world. 

Latest video: Could you survive a blast from the world's biggest vortex cannon?

In this video, Kevin Kohler, a former chemistry student at the University of South Florida and creator of the YouTube channel The Backyard Scientist, tests the power and abilities of an enormous vortex cannon.

View more aspiration engineering videos

JUST FOR FUN

View more lighthearted takes on industrial technologies and innovations