Last year, 2013, was a massive year for the 3d printer and 3d printing, as the technology and industry positioned itself into mainstream society. With so much media coverage of this technology and the rate it is advancing, it’s no surprise that public awareness of this tech has never been more focused.
With a large number of these printers now being within the consumer price bracket it has meant that 3D printers are now being purchased and are in high demand.
Last week, we heard that the UK Prime minister presented the president of Israel with a unique sculpture. This may seem like nothing special, and that the Prime Minister was just simply performing “diplomatic” duties, when in fact, the sculpture was made using a Stratasys 3D printer the Objet Connex series.
Most 3D printers come assembled in their packaging with updates included, you just need a simple internet connection. The growth and popularity of this print technology is no longer restricted by its technical complexity. Printers today are simpler, easier and more affordable than they have ever been before in previous years.
From medical science, healthcare, NASA and aerospace manufacturing, from prosthetic limbs to life changing operations, 3D printing technology has been implemented and used by them all. The versatility of this tech is unlimited as the examples above clearly show.
If 2013 was a big year for this industry, then what does 2014 hold and what can we expect? We can expect to see further medical advancements improving the quality of healthcare services as a whole. We can expect to see further advancements to products custom designed to our individual needs and requirements. This is what we can expect to see happen, but it’s what we don’t know about the future of 3D printing that excites the mind and will take our breath away.