Discovered from Shapeways Blog here.
The White House recently commissioned a report on the developing technology of 3D printers and printing.
From the report’s introduction:
“For a few thousand dollars, anyone can buy their own personal-scale manufacturing
machine, download electronic blueprints to their home computer, and manufacture
unique and complicated objects at home. Personal manufacturing machines, or
“fabbers,” are the pint-sized, low-cost descendants of mass manufacturing machines
used in factories. Different types of small-scale manufacturing machines such as 3D
printers, laser cutters, and programmable sewing machines, combined with an
electronic design blueprint, enable people to create a wide range of objects. People
that have no special skills or training can “rip, mix and burn” physical objects such as
custom machine parts, unique household goods, jewelry, toys, and maybe someday,
electronic devices.”
The report goes on to explain that 3D printing is in the stage that personal computing was in the 70’s and advises:
“This report provides an overview of today’s emerging personal manufacturing
technologies, their societal and economic impact and benefits, their future, and their
dangers and challenges. We offer several recommendations to ensure that these
emerging technologies fulfill their social, economic, innovative and educational
potential.”
Full PDF report can be downloaded from here.
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