3D Revolution Speeding Up We first discussed 3D printing in
2008, highlighting potential applications, the increasing range
of materials being used, and the growing complexity of products
which could be printed. That progress continues creating both
opportunities and challenges the impacts of which companies need
to assess across their product ranges and supply chains. What is
changing? 3D printing, or additive manufacture as it is also
known, creates objects from a digital design using a machine
that looks not unlike a conventional ink-jet printer, but using
materials instead of ink to build up the object. One of the
critical changes occurring is the growing sophistication of the
equipment, but also the fall in price and size. The $500 3D
printer has now been made; as has a truly portable one that fits
in a suitcase. This changes the level of accessibility and
affordability. The scale of what we can 3D print is also
changing. At one end, the potential to 3D print a house cheaply
and quickly is emerging – an