We bumped into this totally amazing infographic that explains pretty much all you need to know about 3D printing, including the process, economy, materials, typical uses, timeline of events, consumer and industrial use, food printing, etc. (Click link below for the full infographic view).
The timeline is interesting. It predicts Bioprinted human limbs and organs by 2020, and by 2025 a “global network of industrial-scale 3D manufacturing centres” producing “clothing, electronics, lifestyle goods, etc.” We think this network of manufacturing centers is already taking form, slowly, so 2025 may be too pessimistic. As for Bioprinting, we’ll wait and see on that one.
Put together apparently by Sculpteo, the infographic includes the following statement towards the bottom:
While we may have a long way to go in terms of futuristic printing, it appears that within our lifetime we may witness incredible printing concepts literally being “brought to life.” Once functionality comes into play, the boundaries will be limitless.
Could not agree more, but we’d say “well within our lifetime”.
Via The Next Web