3D Printers in Developing World

Hi everyone,

I'm a journalist at a medium-large international press agency. I'm working on 3D printing story in the development/developing world context.

A lot of what you hear in the media has to do with hobbyists (nothing wrong there, this stuff can be awesome!), but for the purposes of my article, I'm trying to track down 3d printing programs or companies in the developing world. I know an NGO in Haiti made the rounds a few months ago after they managed to print medical clamps in Hispaniola - I've contacted them.

Technology has taken to leapfrogging traditional development dynamics. Seems as tough 3D printing would provide further opportunities to do so, just as wireless connection/solar power has - to lessen reliance on physical infastructure while at the same time becoming part of  larger network.

I am think of printing parts for water projects or for the small scale business that proliferate in Africa, where small businesses don't lack ingenuity, just resources.

But maybe 3D printing isn't doing zilch outside of a few well meaning NGOs and hobbyists (and industry, obviously) - I'm open to that possibility.

If any of you have any insight into this or could provide contacts, it would be greatly appreciated.

If you don't want to respond her, I can be contacted at [email protected].

I'd be happy to share with you my credentials, I'd just not leave them up on a forum!

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks everyone!