Why will 3D Printing of Plastics Change the Future?

April 11, 2015
An interactive session led by Dr. Tim Long

Associate Dean for Research and International Outreach in the College of Science, Virginia Tech

3D printers are rapidly appearing in many offices and homes, and many think that 3D printing will change every aspect of our lives. The secret may be in the "ink" for the printer, scientists are rapidly designing new molecules that will print objects for many applications, ranging from devices for our bodies to robots and drones. 3D printers will change the manufacturing jobs of the future, moving from a large plant to distributed manufacturing sites on every street corner. This is only accomplished with partnerships between scientists and engineers, working together to construct molecules that will be designed for the 3D printer of the future.

Timothy E. Long received his B. S. in 1983 from St. Bonaventure University, followed by his Ph.D. in 1987 from Virginia Tech. He spent nearly a decade as a research scientist at Eastman Kodak Company before returning to Virginia Tech as a Professor in the Department of Chemistry. He has over 40 patents in the field of macromolecular science and engineering, and has recently exceeded 210 peer-reviewed publications. He has been a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry since 1998 and recently served as Associate Director of Interdisciplinary Research and Education for the Fralin Life Science Institute at Virginia Tech. He serves currently as the Associate Dean for Research and International Outreach in the College of Science.

After the interactive session the students will be escorted by their parents to have lunch and then to the hands-on portion of the event. There the students will enjoy the experience of interacting with various exhibits from the Virginia Tech community.