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the “hype” phase as you call it, was in the late 1980s-early 90s when the first stereolithography systems were introduced. What’s happened is the price has dropped to the point where this technology can disrupt some other manufacturing processes, and enable new applications the others weren’t feasible for. But the “innovators dilemma” does not always (or often) lead to obsolescence of the older technology. We’re still using hard drives in our PCs for example, but a portable MP3 player or digital camera would never have been possible without solid state memory. 3D printing will gain ground where it has consistent advantages, other technologies will continue to exist alongside. When you go to the automated McDonalds across from the 3D Printing Plant, I guarantee you the spoon you get will still be injection molded, not 3D printed.

I agree with you on the plastic spoons and other large-scale manufacture of simple items as they can already be manufactured very cheaply on a large scale.

One area that 3D printing will change the game is with products that are not manufactured on a mass scale. Let's say for instance you are in the business of repairing household appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers. There are hundreds of models out there to stock parts for - or you pay an exorbitant price sourcing it on eBay or some large supplier.

But what if you could manufacture the part you need on demand? Simply print out the gear or pulley you need, or a spring mechanism or a belt. It's as easy as sending the file of the part you need to the 3D printer. In my company, we have a large number of field technicians across the country working on many different models of printing and scanning devices. We envision the day soon where the technicians will carry a portable 3D printer with them and will be able to produce the replacement parts they need onsite so they can complete the job in one trip. Or they can have it printed out on the client's 3D printer. No more waiting for costly overnight delivery of parts. No more maintaining costly inventories of parts that eventually need to get written off.

“but a portable MP3 player or digital camera would never have been possible without solid state memory.”

Uh, I still have my 1” Microdrive hard drive that I used in a camera ....

Still works great after 10 years but is a little slow.