3D Printing - A Top Technology Trend

“The rate of technological progress is increasing” (Taylor n.p). The idea of technological advancement is a concept that many have come to terms with. The rate of change of technology is what many find difficult to cope with. The trend of technological advancement has defied the linear perception of time and is having an exponential growth that has left many in awe.

There is a trend in the world of technologies that is unfolding relentlessly creating new ideas that are being marked as the next big thing. These technologies have the potential of disrupting established technologies and even alter the way people live. The technologies can sustain and improve or disrupt the existing technologies leading to an entirely new products and services (McKinsey & Company 1). 3D printing is a technology that has been around since 1980s but it was until 2010 that the 3D printers became commercially available. Since then, the technology has had impacts that have captured the attention of many because of its science fiction connotations. According to another source (Sandhu), 3D printing is an important concept that has potential not just for its current capabilities, but for the future. According to technology trends, 3D printing opens up ideas that will alter human life as well as bringing with it many complications as it develops.

For some time, 3D printing has largely been a reserve for product designers and hobbyists and for a few select manufacturing applications. However, this has been improving as the additive manufacturing machinery is expanding with the range of materials increasing and prices for both printers and materials decreasing (McKinsey & Company 8). Due to this, there has been rapid adoption of 3D printing by both consumers a...

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...ing technology. All the enthusiasm and inspirations of 3D printing can face limitations but all in all, the technology still needs refinement in its materials, finish, durability, cost and speed among other areas before it can meet with the intense expectations (Sandhu).

Despite the limitations it may have, 3D printing is a real game changing technology with the potential to revolutionize production process of this century. The goodness is that it uses a variety of materials ranging from metals to plastics and is a faster way of producing efficient products. The materials needed for production are less compared to the traditional manufacturing and its products are lighter, complex and even stronger. These properties of 3D printing make it an ideal technology of the time thus its growth will be seen in different sectors of development from aviation to consumer good.