How 3D printing could cause the biggest shake-up in a century

3D printing, the deposition of successive layers of materials, which are fused to create solid objects, may prove the most disruptive technology to emerge in a century.

It has the potential to alter manufacturing, trade and global warming and re-draw the global supply chain as digital designs are “printed” wherever and whenever needed. The beginning First patented in 1986 for architectural models and prototypes, 3D printing can now manufacture highly complex objects, from medical implants, dresses and jewellery to jet engines, pharmaceuticals and chocolate. The way is even open to print spare parts for household appliances, scanning and reproducing obsolete items and mending them as necessary. With precise deposition, waste produced by traditiona...