"3D printing" has applications in which of the following?Preparation of confectionery itemsManufactu

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2018 UPSC Prelims Science & Technology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Science & Technology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Science & Technology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2018 question covers Nanotechnology, Robotics & Emerging Technologies topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2018 Science & Technology question has a medium difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

Q: Where can I find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions?

You can find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions on AspirantMitraa. Browse by subject, topic, year, and difficulty level to practice effectively.

Question

"3D printing" has applications in which of the following?Preparation of confectionery itemsManufacture of bionic earsAutomotive industryReconstructive surgeriesData processing technologiesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: D — 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Step-by-step Solution:3D printing (additive manufacturing) creates three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital design file. Its applications span virtually every major industry:Statement 1 — Preparation of confectionery items: Correct. Food 3D printing is an emerging field. 3D-printed chocolates, sugar sculptures, and other confectionery items have been produced commercially. The first 3D food printing restaurant opened in the Netherlands. NASA has researched 3D-printed food for astronauts. ✓Statement 2 — Manufacture of bionic ears: Correct. Scientists at Princeton University created a 3D-printed bionic ear using a cell-seeded hydrogel matrix printed in the anatomical geometry of a human ear, combined with electronic components. This bioprinting application represents a frontier in medical device manufacturing. ✓Statement 3 — Automotive industry: Correct. The automotive industry was among the earliest adopters of 3D printing — for rapid prototyping, tooling, spare parts production, custom components, and increasingly for end-use production parts. Companies like BMW, Ford, and Local Motors use 3D printing extensively. ✓Statement 4 — Reconstructive surgeries: Correct. 3D printing is used in medicine to create custom implants (titanium skull plates, hip joints), surgical guides, prosthetics, and tissue/organ scaffolds for reconstructive surgery. Patient-specific anatomical models are also printed for surgical planning. ✓Statement 5 — Data processing technologies: Correct. 3D printing is used to manufacture computer hardware components including circuit boards, electronic components, and casings used in data processing equipment. Printed electronics and 3D-printed circuit boards are active areas of development. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Options A, B, and C all exclude valid applications of 3D printing. All five listed applications are documented uses of this technology.Key Concept: 3D printing technologies: FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) — most common, thermoplastic; SLA (Stereolithography) — resin, high precision; SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) — powder, strong parts; Bioprinting — living cells and biomaterials; Metal 3D printing — aerospace, automotive. India's defence sector (DRDO), healthcare (AIIMS), and space sector (ISRO) are increasingly using 3D printing. 3D printing reduces waste (additive vs subtractive manufacturing), enables mass customisation, and disrupts traditional supply chains.

"3D printing" has applications in which of the following?Preparation of confectionery itemsManufacture of bionic earsAutomotive industryReconstructive surgeriesData processing technologiesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Nanotechnology, Robotics & Emerging Technologies

Frequently Asked Questions

"3D printing" has applications in which of the following?Preparation of confectionery itemsManufacture of bionic earsAutomotive industryReconstructive surgeriesData processing technologiesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Nanotechnology, Robotics & Emerging Technologies

Frequently Asked Questions