The disruptive power of 3D printing

Advocates of 3D printing say that small, in-home machines will allow tinkerers and makers to unleash a wave of creative energy, constructing whatever they can imagine, whether replacement shower curtain rings, works of art or even cars. “The technology has not yet evolved to replace full manufacturing processes, but in its current nascent form it does cut down on prototyping, waste and transportation emissions – opening the door for more sustainable business practices across a range of industries,” writesChat Reynders of Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management for the Guardian’s website. Reason magazine’s Greg Beato says the focus on the myriad uses of the technology, from the artistic to the mundane, ignores the larger picture: 3D printing has the potential to be a disruptive, possibly revolutionary invention. Read more.