3D printing is changing the world around us at a rapid face. Everything from - cars, houses, heck even food and human organs are being printed. We are also close to a point where we can print things from anywhere.
However, the real transformation from 3D printing lies far beyond merely printing stuff. The first indicators point to the fact that 3D printing will disrupt the manufacturing sector for good. With distributed manufacturing, we will be able to produce products close to the point of consumption. This will fundamenatlly alter supply chains and distribution networks.The emphasis will shift from finished products to supplying raw materials.
The goods that we produce will also be more customized than ever before. Minor tweaks in the software will result in infinitely customized products. Essentially, quality control will happen at a very individual level.
Many are even heralding it as the next industrial revolution. Businesses will have to rethink their operations. The current industrial hubs might soon become irrelevant thanks to 3D printing. In fact, international outsourcing to manufacturing hubs such as China might completely stop due to this phenomenon.
Moreover, 3D printing is moving ahead at a staggering pace. Lots of industries - real estates, automobiles, healthcare - are already experimenting with this technology. Giants such as GE, Boeing, NASA have also thrown their weight behind 3D printing.
While there are legal and ethical issues some experts worry about, 3D printing has come at a point where you either get on board or risk being run over. While it is at a very nascent stage right now, this technology might completely rewrite the rules of this world. 3D printing will surely change the world we know!
