3D Printing Under $2000 by 2016?
Ink
3D printing has a lot of possible applications, from its potential use
in creating custom models and toys, to making easy to create computer
components the technology is almost limitless. The only real limits on
the industry right now is the fact that 3D printing is expensive After
all the technology is in its infancy and that usually makes it
expensive. For now the technology is out of reach of many of the people
who would like to use them, people without corporate or research budgets
on hand.
But in the next couple of years that may all be changing. According to
noted research firm Gartner the cost of 3D printing is going to be
dropping significantly in the next couple of years. The company is
estimating that by the year 2016 the printers will be less than $2,000
to own.
“3D printing is a technology accelerating to mainstream adoption,” said
Pete Basiliere, research director at Gartner. “It is a technology of
great interest to the general media, with demonstrations on science
shows, on gadget websites and in other areas. From descriptions of
exciting current uses in medical, manufacturing and other industries to
futuristic ideas — such as using 3D printers on asteroids and the moon
to create parts for spacecraft and lunar bases — the hype leads many
people to think the technology is some years away when it is available
now and is affordable to most enterprises.”
For now the company
has no idea who may be offering them to the public, but they do have an
idea for the business model behind it. They imagine a pick up, drop off
system similar to old fashioned photos, or a mobile watch while it
prints scenario. More detailed analysis is available in the report “How
3D Printing
Disrupts Business and Creates New Opportunities.” The report is
available on Gartner's website.
Image Source: Morgue File