A three-dimensional printer works with three-dimensional information. Technologically, a 3D printer is quite simple: the printer, connected to a computer, prints the desired object layer by layer, using some fusible plastic. A new stage in the development of technology are three-dimensional printers capable of printing themselves. Three-dimensional printers appeared quite a long time ago, but due to their high cost, slowness, and limited range of materials that could be used for printing, they still exist as marginal techno-toys.
Humanity has already developed enough technology to produce enough of everything; and self-replicating 3D printers can play a vital role in that.
The DGI has over the years conducted and facilitated various events on the future of technology, touching upon the issues of the interconnectedness of the technological and the social, economic and cultural structures. By focusing on 3D-printing technologies, we want to highlight the importance of the fair distribution modes of production (everyone can assemble a printer) and overcoming the alienation of labor (one gets to print whatever they need for their daily lives rather than purchasing manufactured goods). We believe that technology can be uncomplicated and accessible for everyone, and we want to share knowledge freely and fairly.
To achieve this, the DGI is regularly organizing educational events online, shares the recordings of our lectures and webinars and keeps the events free of charge. We also organize workshops offline, and in this project we will focus on our programming in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
In 2025, the DGI is launching open-source technology projects with support from our partners in St Vincent and the Grenadines. These initiatives will focus on the future of the food industry, fermented food production, spirulina-growing and DIY-3D-printing. This room is dedicated to the latter – with articles, interviews, videos, pictures and multimedia collections from curators, experts and participants of this project.
The David Graeber Institute and the Museum of Care have a long history of exploring the research and practice around 3D-printing technologies. For several years, we have been working with Adrian Bowyer, engineer and mathematician, inventor of the open source 3D printer that became the basis for most of the 3D printers in the world today. Adrian Bowyer invented a self-replicating 3D-printing machine which can be assembled at home from a kit of materials worth about a couple hundred dollars (and the creators hope to reduce that cost even more in the nearest future). Consumable materials are also relatively inexpensive – from 7 to 20 euros per kilogram of polylactide, polystyrene, or high-pressure polyethylene.
For events and news on the project, check the David Graeber Institute’s website.
Are you an engineer, open-source technology enthusiast, designer or just a curious person wishing to find out more and take part in this project? Send us an email at info@davidgraeber.org and mail@museum.care!
