Can We 3D Print Oil?
As breakthroughs in 3D printing continue, one highly anticipated benchmark is the ability to print from a molecular level, piecing together materials from simple elements like carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.
A company called NatNet has claimed the ability, and stated that it is possible to print from the molecular state, though their website data is vague. In the video on their website (below), they announce the ability to print a pear from the molecular state. Other data from the site is sparse, possibly because they don't have the tech to back it up yet or because they are perfecting it. Then, there is always the possibility that it is a full blown hoax.
Odds are, not a hoax. Another company, BioForce, also seems to be pioneering the journey into molecular printing: . According to CEO, Shawn Malek, their “The Nano eNabler System is a multifaceted tool for printing and manipulating materials at the ultra-micro and nanoscales." Sounds exciting, and probable.
Really, the list goes on. If you search the internet for molecular printers you'll be warped with information.
This brings me to the point. If we can print food, why not oil? Petroleum, ready for your gas tank. Seems like a great way to avoid sucking the earth dry.
http://3dprint.com/50777/molecular-3d-printer/
https://www.behance.net/gallery/37188085/Molecular-3D-printer-for-NATNET-Near-Future-Design