We have known about the reduction of the world’s coral population for quite some time now, losing more than half of all coral reefs since 1950. To lose the reefs entirely would mean less oxygen production worldwide, fewer coastlines, and significant disruptions in the fishing industry. It’s a sobering statistic, but scientists are dedicated to helping coral reefs survive in these new waters of climate change. To celebrate Earth Day, we wanted to look at how scientists use 3D printing to create a scalable, effective, and cost-efficient way to save the world’s coral reefs. 

3D Printing Provides New Solutions to Old Problems

As early as 2012, researchers began experimenting with 3D printing to address the problem of shrinking coral reefs. The ability of 3D printers to print carbonate skeletons or porous ceramic structures makes them a unique asset in fighting the effects of climate change on coral reefs. By providing a base structure for coral to grow on, these 3D-printed structures accelerate the growth rate for reefs. Since coral only grows millimeters yearly, time is not on our side. 

Another new process utilizes 3D printing in an advanced, interdisciplinary approach by combining physical data from 3D scans of the reefs and biometric data about the organisms that live there. These 3D-printed reef structures are designed precisely to fit their designated environment, and coral polyps can sometimes even be attached to the reef structures as they are printed. 

Learn more about 3D printing in action.

Using 3D Printing to Fight Climate Change

In addition to bolstering the reefs, we also need to figure out how to help existing coral populations weather the ocean’s potential temperature, acidity, and salinity changes in the future. The research to counteract these issues requires accurate, standardized testing conditions and equipment. Sourcing the equipment is particularly challenging, as the vast scale of the research requires cost-effective parts that won’t corrode in the ocean. Using 3D printers to produce customized sensors, scientists can recreate accurate ocean conditions for lab testing to develop a more threat-resistant coral species. 

Our environment is one of our most precious resources, and 3D printers will help us preserve it for future generations. Maintaining the world’s coral reefs isn’t just about how beautiful they are but also about their crucial role in our interconnected ecosystem. As technology advances, 3D printers are proving to be one of the most powerful tools in the fight against climate change.

Contact us today to discuss which 3D printer is right for you!