3D Printing is here – but the factory in every home isn’t here yetThe podcast |
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3D Printing is here – but the factory in every home isn’t here yet
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3D printing has caught the attention of the public but the hype around the technology does not recognize the severe limitations of the concept. The ability to download designs for anything imaginable and create the product on the spot will become a viable segment in several niche markets over the coming years such as the $22 billion global power tools market, the biomedical sector, and the after-sales service industries such as auto repair. It is likely that several "do-it-yourself" enthusiasts will invest in 3D printers as prices drop below US$1,000 in 2012 but the cost of the materials needed to create a product as prosaic as a running shoe remains specialized and expensive. Sales in 2012 will likely remain below US$200 million and anyone expecting the era of the space-aged “replicator” may have to wait a while yet.
Podcast highlights:
- Where will this technology be used the most?
- What can we really expect from this technology?
- What is holding the technology back?
- How quickly will 3D printing mature and become more widely used?
Guests:
- Duncan Stewart, Director of Deloitte Canada Research and co-author of TMT Predictions
- Kelly McDonald, manager, Deloitte Canada Consulting, specializing in technology integration
Host:
Holly Seguine, Senior Manager, Online Communications, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
Related Content:
TMT Predictions 2012
Explore all the predictions.
