“3D Printing is a phrase used to describe the process of creating three dimensional objects from digital file using a materials printer, in a manner similar to printing images on paper.” -Wikipedia
It currently is being used in the manufacturing industry to create prototypes, but MIT Professor Neri Oxman has bigger plans. She currently is printing gloves that can protect against carpal tunnel.
That is only the beginning. In this PopCast, Dr. Oxman explains how entire buildings can be created using 3D printing.
With any new technology comes a shift in economy, and this certainly would disrupt our society (and mass manufacturing) as we know it. Aside from the economic barriers we would have to overcome, how would this change our society?