Economist (February 10)
2011/ 02/ 13 by jd in Global News
3D printing “is likely to disrupt every field it touches.” Also known as additive printing this technology could upend traditional manufacturing. 3D printing “makes it as cheap to create single items as it is to produce thousands and thus undermines economies of scale.” For runs of up to 1,000 items, 3D printing is “already competitive with plastic injection-moulding.” Just as personal computers and conventional printers made it possible for anybody to become a publisher, 3D printing promises to empower individuals with manufacturing capabilities. This revolution may unfold rapidly. Basic 3D printers now cost less than laser printers did in 1985.
