3D printing is not really a new technology by any stretch of the imagination though it is gaining prominence like never before. As the companies manufacturing 3D printers continue to innovate and refine their products, more mainstream manufacturers and designers are beginning to look at the technique as a whole new way of manufacturing products. Such are the implications of this technology that industry experts are beginning to predict that it could be more impactful to human society than the internet and could usher in the third industrial revolution.
Hoe Steve Jobs saw technology way back in 1989
In a 1989 interview with Inc. magazine, Steve Jobs, the then young founder of future tech giant Apple, stated the importance of building powerful tools. What Jobs stressed on was the need to empower individuals with these new tools so they may contribute to the world and the technology in their own way. Jobs stated that he believed that when a single individual creates something new using these tools, he can share it with others, one of whom can come up with something new and share it along too. Of course, we all know how Jobs’ vision for technologies and future played out!
What is 3D printing’s true potential?
3D printing could potentially change everything we know about manufacturing. We could see everything from clothes to home electronics, cars, household goods and even furniture being manufactured using 3D printing. Not only will it change the way objects and goods are manufactured, it could also revolutionize the shapes and sizes of goods that we find around us now!
Creativity will be the real star power behind the new method of production
Even though most people see major manufacturers hogging 3D printing technology and tying to monopolize the segment for their own benefit, it could really level the playing field for creative individuals as well. Once 3D printers become more commonplace and cheaper to buy, creativity would enable individuals to lead the revolution instead of corporations and tech giants.
3D printing could boost small scale manufacturing
Before corporations introduced mass manufacturing, the world was full of small manufacturers all of whom were interdependent on one another. As the 3D printer could allow small-scale manufacturers to rise again, people could be operating manufacturing businesses right out of their garages.
The spawning of new industries
3D printers could also see entirely new industries rise up. we could perhaps see innovators create electronics and machines that are made with fewer parts while others could be produced as solid wholes! Food printing too could come into play at some point in the future that could change what we eat and the way we eat it!
What it would mean for investors?
3D printing might not be the most interesting segment to invest in right now but perhaps that is what many people told themselves about startups like Apple, Microsoft and Facebook way back!
