Interview with Field Ready about its humanitarian work using 3D printing

One of the advantages of 3D printing is that it allows parts to be produced locally and objects to be optimised as needed. No need to physically store or use suppliers on the other side of the world: thanks to 3D technologies, you can manufacture on demand from a digital file wherever you are. This is a key advantage that has attracted the Field Ready association: it uses 3D printers to help the most disadvantaged people, often in disaster areas, and creates all kinds of everyday objects to come to help to them. We had the opportunity to meet its director, Eric James, who explained to us where his idea came from and the benefits of additive manufacturing.

3DN: How did you come up with the idea of creating Field Ready?

Dr. Eric James

Field Ready was borne out of several realizations. First, a deep passion for helping other people in difficult circumstances. This has been the primary motivator by everyone who is closely associated with Field Ready. Second, a frustration with the status quo. The aid sector has been slow to adapt and an innovation laggard. Finally, the opportunity to do something transformative. The needs are massive but so is the chance to impact positive change.

The concepts behind the organization were first developed in Silicon Valley by Drs. Eric James and Nick Haan in August 2012 but the ideas were based on decades of experienced in places like South Sudan, Afghanistan and Haiti. The organization was incorporated in 2013, received its US 501c3 status the following year and has since been registered in a number of countries.