9 ways that 3D printing is going to change business

The Next Web ^ | July 21, 2013 | Scott Gerber

[2ndDivisionVet]

I think we can all agree that the evolution of 3D printing technology thus far has been stunning. But I wanted to know what specific ways entrepreneurs are actually looking to use the technology in business, and why — so I asked a panel of nine founders the following:

As an entrepreneur, what’s most exciting to you about 3D printing? Where do you see it being utilized most in the near term?

Their most compelling responses are below.

1. Fewer manufactured goods

“Things” will no longer be manufactured and shipped to customers. Instead, you’ll purchase designs for everything from glasses to housing, and the input costs of having them printed on site will be cheaper than the current supply-chain process we have today.

Once it becomes more cost-efficient to build this way (and it will) you’ll have an ‘app store’ of objects you can download and print out at your leisure. I believe this will be the biggest revolution since the Internet itself.

- Liam Martin, Staff.com

2. Printable knickknacks

I love the idea of having a 3D printer to build all the little knickknacks in my life, from the screw that I lost in my IKEA coffee table to an extra pair of earbuds for running. I see 3D printers being utilized as personal Lowes and Home Depot stores in our homes.

- John Meyer, Lemon.ly

3. Cheaper samples

One of the most expensive aspects of the fashion world is creating samples before production. Getting one sample made can range anywhere from $200 to $400....

[zeugma]

Which will be an interesting brouhaha. Most people still respect copyright on purchasable products more or less even though it can be easily skirted. Maybe entire catalogs of fabricatable items will be licensed out on easy terms.

Don't be shocked when you start seeing companies trying to push 'subscription' services for your stuff, much like they are trying (rather unsuccessfully IMO) with software.

Everyone can be a renter!

[2ndDivisionVet]

Thank you very much.