Hemp is becoming a popular material and topic for the future of 3D printing

Three-dimensional printing is one of the newer technologies
that are utilized by all industries across the board. From 3D printers that are
capable of printing out human body parts and living, breathing designs using
organic materials, to random commodities like water pipes, sex toys and drones,
3D printing is taking the world by storm. It should be no surprise then, how
hemp is becoming an even more popular resource to use in 3D printing. 

Lotus Boards is a startup company that aims to
produce the world’s first hemp skateboard using hemp plastic. They’ve chosen
this material because it is better for the consumer and the environment than
using common, standard plastics. Hemp plastic makes for a stronger skateboard
in comparison. Also, using hemp plastic cuts the use of petroleum
significantly, and the carbon emission it takes to process hemp in comparison
is greatly reduced. 
If you want to get your hands on one of these
super strong, eco-friendly boards, sadly you’ll have to wait. Founder of Lotus
Boards, Brian Westphal, told 3DPrint.com,
“We’re currently not 3D printing our boards on a production level. We’ve only
done prototypes from regular nylon material (at this moment). My goal with the
skateboards is to raise awareness for industrial hemp and bio-based materials
so that one day we could derive all of our building materials from resources
that we’ve grown.”
Hemp plastic isn’t the only material the
cannabis sativa plant has to offer, as building materials like hemp concrete
and hemp fiberboard are sustainable resources that are utilized often.
Three-dimensional printing can make using hemp building materials even more of
a convenient reality. MatterLab is a Brooklyn-based company who is successfully
producing a natural, biodegradable hemp-based filament 3D printing. This
material is not quite available for purchase, but it proves to be a promising
look into what’s ahead for hemp-based 3D printing.