Ruffa Corbett

Professor Matheson
ENGL 110C
15 April 2016
The Contradicting Benefactor
Technological advancement has impacted engineering productivity and how its fast-paced
advancement correlates with the results of our labor production. Based on Merriam-Webster
dictionary, technology is the application of science in engineering and industries to invent useful
machines to solve problems. Its revolutionary advancement affects our means of transportation,
productivity and the effort we provide when given an assignment. These tools remove the
barriers of communication, enabling our products to reach a worldwide scale through emails and
video conferences.
When creating drafts, computers and other technological research tools also provide an
advancement of software designs which allows one to create an effective project using accuracy
and precision. In the past, ideas were often drafted manually, acquiring more time and effort
draw and recreate. However, I believe the creation of digital programs such as 3D printing and
AutoCAD, a computer-aided design (CAD) database, used to create 2D and 3D designs, provides
a more accurate data, allowing room for more advanced structural design. Despite its positive
outputs, many controversial issues rise with the development of technology. For instance, some
argue that the mass production of materials can decrease manufacturing jobs and endanger
peoples lives due to its capability to create machines such as guns, knives and other dangerous
items. Although these claims are derived from years of technological advancement, programs

such as 3D printing and CAD, have also improved our societys means of production, creating
more opportunities for both the workers and employers.
According to Professor Randy Haddock, the Master Advisor for freshmen engineers, the
advancement of technology has greatly impacted the way we conduct and program new designs.
Based on his personal experience as a Civil Engineer, Haddock witnessed how new engineers
often struggle to find small mistakes using software such as CAD. He states that young engineers
lack the feel of the designs limits because they solely rely on the computers capabilities. In
addition, due to technologys fast advancement, we often see this change as a way to rid of our
workload, which inevitably causes our work ethics to fall into laziness. However, these programs
has also shaped engineering designs as our economy progresses.
As stated from the previous section, Randy Haddock had claimed that new engineers lack
the same intuition as those with years of hands on experience in design. Granted, hands on
experience can provide an intuitive precision when dealing with real world problems. However,
these machines are a vital factor in engineering due to its reliability. Tools such as AutoCAD are
used to design structures to provide a clear visual for those who arent familiar with the
materials. As an engineering student who is familiar with this program, I found that these tools
give new engineers a foundation to this profession. Although some would argue that it causes
students to rely solely on the softwares ability, I found that this matter stands between the
programs reliability and dependency. To avoid dependency, I believe that one should also have
knowledge and experience in the field before relying on these tools, despite its accessibility or
precision.
Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is the process of creating accurate, three
dimensional figures from a digital program. These designs can be created by using programs

such as CAD then are formed by layers of fabricated materials to create a real world model.
William Predebon, the Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering, believes that 3D printing
will greatly influence the way engineering students will approach design. According to the
interview, having the availability of 3D printing will encourage students to think creatively and
use the knowledge when working with hands on materials. Unlike the discrete concepts in
engineering and mathematics textbooks, having a hands on approach on mathematical and
engineering concepts can greatly impact the way students view engineering.
This issue is important because todays society revolves around technology. Although
some believe that computers weaken our minds ability to process information, these visuals
provide a detailed description of how the building or the structure is expected to appear, without
having a physical model of the material. Using this helpful tool, engineers can alter, reproduce
and share their data with other colleagues. For instance, many international businesses seek for
ways to expand and share their products value with other companies. Having the advantage of
technology and 3D printing, one can easily share three-dimensional designs, where they can send
and print new ideas from one continent to another. The accessibility of these machines can not
only influence engineering students, but also improve our economys Flow of Circulation.
According to Investopedia, circulation flow models are heuristic devices that are used to
portray the flow of money in our economy. To reach an equilibrium between these sectors, our
country must meet the needs of consumer, business and government. Using the advancement of
3D printers, we could alter our economys Resource Market by providing fast and accessible
printed products, increasing our countrys businesses, therefore, benefitting individual
households through acquired goods. In contrast, some may argue that having this ability can

break our countrys connections with other nations. However, these machines can also stand as a
stepping stool, allowing our country to become independent.
Based on U.S. National Debt Clock, our countrys debt ranges around $19.2 trillion. This
is due to warfare, low number of jobs and income, and our economys spending on raw
materials. Having the ability to print objects that can operate using reachable resources can
remove our need to rely on other country for raw materials. Although independence can be
linked with isolationism, this foundation can help our country in a time of crisis such as war and
disputes with other nations. 3D printers also correlates with the creation of guns and other
weapons which can benefit our countrys Department of Defense.
In 2014, Ray Martin interviewed Cody Wilson, the inventor of the first 3D printed gun.
Wilsons decision to share his project on the web had caused many controversies on whether 3D
printing is beneficial to our society today. During the interview, Martin explains how these
printers could easily create weapons using a fabricated plastic material that prints in an upward
direction. Although the sophisticated project creates a revolutionary mark in our world of design,
Martin states that this creation could endanger many lives. He fears that even children could
easily use Wilsons design and may possibly endanger their lives and those around them.
Children and teens, who have little to no knowledge of the dangers that could follow when
printing these weapons, can now create guns with just a push of a button. In some aspects,
having this capability can also benefit families who are forced to take action when facing a
dangerous situation. According to the 2 Amendment, one is guaranteed the right to keep and
nd

bear arms. However, some families are incapable of purchasing guns due to expenses such as
permitting and licensing fees along with the firearm itself; which can range from $500 to $900.
Unlike handmade guns which uses different materials such as metals: steel, brass, iron, and

aluminum, 3D printed guns can be produced within hours and use less materials to print. In
addition, Congress also enforced the Undetectable Firearm Act, which bans guns that cant be
detected by x-ray scanners and other metal detectors. This act was created to prevent citizens
from taking advantage of this new found technology.
Lyndsey Gilpin, the writer of The Dark Side of 3D printing, believes that 3D printing is
a double-edged sword that can easily outweigh its benefits on our society. In her article, she
explains how these machines can have a hazardous impact to our economy, society and
environment. Unlike regular printers, these machines rely mostly on plastic materials. Granted,
plastic take years to biodegrade and can harm our environment. However, 3D printed materials
reduces our need for natural resources, therefore, preventing the spread of greenhouse gases
which causes Global warming, and air pollution to our environment.
Today, the digital revolution is changing the way we conduct research. Through the
advancement of technology, we can easily collect, share and manipulate information. Engineers
also found ways to advance computer systems and other machines that can help develop ways to
improve our daily lives. In 2014, 429 men, women, and children died due to the shortage of
organ donors. 429 patients, desperately waiting for an organ donation, died, leaving hundreds of
devastated families behind. However, after years of research, scientists and engineers found ways
to recreate the architectural structure of cells and tissues. This layer-by-layer process mimics the
structures of tissues. The creation of bioprinting is slowly shaping the medical field through the
use of 3D printers. According to Christopher Chen, a Biomedical Engineer in Philadelphia
University, bioprinting will save thousands of lives in the future. Bioprinting is a form of precise
architecture that can generate human tissues and organs. This establishment uses the same
technology as those from the candy industry. They also use sugar to build the intricate network of

blood vessels because it doesnt pose any harm to the cells. The ability to create tissues using 3D
printing can help create implants for patients who are waiting for organ donors.
The digital age is seen as a revolutionary development in our society because it creates
new opportunities, provides efficient results and fastens the circulation of our economy. Despite
its negative influences, 3D printing and other machines both shape and influence our future.
Using AutoCAD, we are able to design a vast amount of designs, sparking many inventions. This
creating competition in our industrial productions, allowing the flow of our economy to circulate
throughout our country. Having the ability to build everyday products using a two-dimensional
images can transform our means of manufacture. This creation drastically shortens the amount of
time we have to wait for packages to arrive, saves money and uses less resources. Although some
may argue that it will harm our environment, 3D printers however, can save our natural resources
by using recyclable materials such as plastic which releases less waste to our environment. In
addition, due to the effects of the digital age, our capabilities and limitations are in the wits of
our own control. Although the creation of technology is impacting our lives, its effects are
reflected on how we use it.

Works Cited
ASME. "Advanced Manufacturing: The Impact of 3D Printing in Engineering Curriculum."
YouTube. YouTube, 5 Sept. 2014. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
"Circular Flow Model." Circular Flow Model. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2016.

Duderstadt, James J., and (U.S.) National Research Council. Issues For Science And
Engineering
Researchers In The Digital Age. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press, 2001.
eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
EuroNewsChannel. "The Pros and Cons of 3D Printing." YouTube. YouTube, 23 Jan. 2014. Web.
22 Feb. 2016.
Gilpin, Lindsey. "The Dark Side of 3D Printing: 10 Things to Watch - TechRepublic."
TechRepublic. CBS Interactive, 5 May 2014. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
Haddock, Randy. Personal interview. 10 February 2016.
Science Channel. "Bioprinting New Organs." YouTube. YouTube, 9 Dec. 2013. Web. 22 Feb.
2016.
"Should You Be Legally Allowed to 3D Print Guns?" Inverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2016.

Peer Review: Documented Essay

Writer: ______Ruffa Mae Corbett_______________________________
Reviewers: ___Tyler Riegle , Samuel Kibebe___________________
Peer Review Directions: In order to review a paper, you must first read through the
paper once just to understand the topic and what the writer has to say about the topic.
After you have read through it once, you are ready to begin answering the following
questions.
Companion Piece Analysis
Start by reading the authors companion piece. How has the author . . .
. . . explained how the argument demonstrates genre-specific components: debate
summary, supported opinion statement, refutation in stasis, etc.?
No post write
. . . raised questions about what in the argument may or may not be working well?
No post write
What other key points does the authors companion piece raise? In other words, what
does the writer want from you as a reviewer?
No post write
Does the companion piece help you as a peer reviewer? If so, what works well? If not,
how could be companion piece be more helpful for you as a reviewer?
No post write
Introduction
After reading the first paragraphs, what would you say is the thesis of this essay?
Has the writer hooked you in her/his introduction? How?
The thesis is that 3D printing is overall good, despite some dangers.
Yes, the authors hooked sentence forces the reader to strike up his/her own
question in curiousity of how technological advancement correlates to labor production
during this age of society.
Do you think the hook strategy works for the writer, or could the introduction be more
interesting? If you think it could be improved, how might the introduction better
engage readers?
I feel that a strong hook was missing, instead a brief description was given with a
light hook about technological advancement. I feel a better hook would have been
immediately addressing the possible dangers of 3D printing.
Body Paragraphs
Can you identify a clear purpose/topic in all body paragraphs? Does each paragraph
have its own point (one topic)? If so, write a brief outline of the essay, organized by
paragraph number. If not, in your outline, identify which sections arent clearly
organized.

Each paragraph is built in relation to the thesis, ranging from how 3D printing is
beneficial to society, such as printing organs for patients. The writer as well structures
some of the paragraphs to counter the opposition which is written nicely.
Is there something the writer talks about in a paragraph that you think could be deleted
or developed separately? In other words, do certain sentences fall off topic? If so,
indicate by paragraph number which paragraph(s) could benefit from a coherence
revision.
No, each sentence fits perfectly into each paragraph. I like the way you spoke
about the Undetectable Firearm Act in relation to 3D printing. Each sentence the writer
has written is structured and built nicely to fit into each of the paragraphs topic.
Every idea presented in the essay should somehow connect to the essays thesis. Do all
the paragraphs, points, and thoughts work to fulfill the thesis? If so, identify which
paragraph(s) should be developed for their connection to the thesis.
Do you think the writer needs more support in a paragraph? If so, what
suggestions/questions do you have for the writer?
The thesis connects wonderfully to the body paragraphs. For example, in
paragraphs 7 and 8, the writers topic on natural resources being accessible, faster, and
safer (avoid wars for resources) to obtain which the thesis explains.
Word Choice
Do the paragraphs flow due to the use of transitional words or phrases? If so, identify
an example; if not, identify a location where transitional words or phrases will improve
the flow of the authors writing.
The pieces have very good transitions from paragraph to paragraph, with many
examples introducing an idea in its conclusion only for the next paragraph to go into
detail with it. This can be seen in the transition from the 5th and 6th paragraphs, where
the idea of flow of circulation is introduced and then elaborated on later.
Does the author use metadiscourse (e.g. I am arguing that . . . We have now reviewed
the various types of . . .; next, we must look at . . .) to organize the essay? If so, identify
an example; if not, identify a location where metadiscourse will improve the flow of the
authors writing.
The author does use metadiscourse but very sparingly in only specific
paragraphs. For example the 4th paragraph makes great use of metadiscourse but the
surrounding paragraphs do not.
Consider the verbs the author has used in her/his essay. Are the verbs informal (e.g. put
up with, look into), or are the verbs academic (e.g. tolerate, investigate)? If the verbs are
informal, how might they be formalized? Find at least one formal/informal verb to
comment on.
The verbs are academic, one notable example can be seen in the 2nd paragraph
when the 3D printing is explained.

Consider the adjectives/nouns the author has used in her/his essay. Are the
adjectives/nouns informal (e.g. nice, a lot of), or are the adjective/nouns academic (e.g.
robust, considerable, an integral part of)? If the adjectives/nouns are informal, how
might they be formalized? Find at least one formal/informal adjective or noun to
comment on.
The nouns and adjectives are academic, the most notable example is in the 2nd
paragraph where the use of technology and 3D printing is explained.
Conclusion
How has the writer concluded his/her essay? Do you think this method for conclusion
works for the writer, or could the conclusion be more interesting? If you think it could
be better, how might the conclusion better engage readers?
The essay is concluded with a reiteration of the main points. While overall the
conclusion was very good, I feel like it did not properly reflect the author's full opinion
on the subject.
The writer was able to summarize the essay proficiently without being repetitive. The
last sentence ended on a strong note and the reader is able to relate to it.
I found the last sentence strong and profound.
Source Analysis
Does the essay cite a minimum of five sources? Is at least one source scholarly?
Analyzing the five sources, has the author demonstrated triangulation? How do you
know?
There are over 5 sources, many of which are scholarly. I can see that the author
used triangulation is the use of multiple source used for 3D printing. We can see the
source being used to explain the topic in the triangulation method.
Are the sources properly integrated with in-text citations? If so, provide an example; if
not, explain why.
While the sources are cited, they do not follow proper format and do not point to
a source in the bibliography. We can see it used at the start of the third paragraph, we
see proper sourcing but not the correct format.
Is the Works Cited page formatted correctly?
Titled?
Alphabetized with citations for each source used and no more?
Double-spaced throughout?
Hanging indent for entries with more than one line?
Does the Works Cited page start on a whole new page after editing?
The work cited page is in perfect order.
Are the sources integrated effectively? In other words, each time the author uses an
outside source does s/he . . .

Briefly introduce the source with an introductory phrase?

Clarify the connection between the quotation/paraphrase and their argument?
Follow up with commentary or analysis that explains the importance of the
sources words/ideas to the essays thesis?
The sources are integrated very well, with proper introductory phrases as well as
proper use in attached to the argument. The sources really fit with the ideas of the essay
and are not thrown in.
Overview
In argument, the authors are expected to offer a clear summary of opposing views, state
the what and why of their position, and offer a refutation in stasis with a statement of
concession. In your opinion, has the author presented these required components?
Indicate yes or no for each. If indicating yes, explain how. If indicating no, offer a
suggestion as to how the author might improve this aspect of the piece.
Debate summary: yes or no
Both sides of the argumentative debate are properly satisfied.
Supported opinion statement: yes or no
The argument is supported with proper opinion statements.
Refutation in stasis: yes or no
The authors refutation lacks proper form, as the concessions are just left there
without being refuted.
Statement of concession: yes or no
The author gives plenty of examples of 3D printings dark side, and properly
explains them.
Analyze the authors use of logos, pathos, and ethos. How did the author demonstrate
these rhetorical appeals?
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
The author demonstrated logos in paragraphs 8 and 10 explaining the countrys
debt with numbers. Ethos would be the last sentence in the last paragraph. Pathos is
demonstrated in paragraph 9 on how the fear of 3D printing weapons can go
undetectable through radars which causes danger to those around.
What additional components of the piece is the reader left wanting? In other words,
what additional information might the essay explore?
I believe the author was able to provide all information, in which have satisfied
my curiosity.
What would you say about the writers style? Does the writings tone/word choice
match the essay content? If so, highlight a specific example; if not, consider suggesting
how the author might match tone/word choice with argument content.
The authors tone is commanding when explaining the benefits of 3D printing.
The authors explanation and relation to war and 3D printing brings the claim at a large
scale, forming an atmosphere of importance of why 3D printing is vital.

Looking back at the thesis statement, does this statement present an overall claim which
is supported throughout the body paragraphs? Which parts of the essay, if any, deviate
from the thesis statement?
The thesis statement presents a perfect overall claim in relation to the body
paragraphs.
Looking back at the essay, what did you like the best about the writers work?
What astonished me the most was how 3D printing has the ability to print out
organs for patients that are in need of them. The author was able to explain their
support efficiently by explaining proficiently on its importance.