WhatTheyThink

Premium Commentary & Analysis

3D Print Building More Than Hype

Sean Smyth of Digital Demand World, the publication for the digital print industry, looks at the progress of 3D printing and the momentum being built that promises an emerging technology that commercial printers can profit from.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

There have been many false dawns for 3D printing – a technology that on more than one occasion has been earmarked as the next industrial revolution.

However, there is now some real momentum behind 3D printing. The topic is regularly covered by technology columns in newspapers, and occasionally even makes it onto mainstream channels and broadcast media news.

3D printers can produce almost anything, from personalised medical devices, prosthetics, hearing aids and surgical kits to functional aircraft and car parts; individualised accessories, customised jewellery and toys.


Continue reading your article
with a WhatTheyThink membership.

WhatTheyThink Annual Membership

Less than $4/week.

Get unlimited access to in-depth commentary and analysis covering the latest trends, emerging technologies, operational strategies, and key events across every segment of today's printing industry.

Stay informed. Stay competitive. Stay ahead.
WhatTheyThink Day Pass

$5 for 24 hours

Unlimited access to all of WhatTheyThink. Get your Day Pass

Already a member?
Sign In

About Sean Smyth

Sean Smyth is print consultant at Smithers Pira, the worldwide authority on the packaging, paper and print industry supply chains. Sean has spent over 25 years in the industry in senior technology positions for a variety of print businesses across the supply chain, in hands on and consultancy roles. He helps companies make money through the appropriate use of technology.

Recent Articles from Sean Smyth

After the Flood: BOBST Opens New Competence Center in Florence, Italy

After the Flood: BOBST Opens New Competence Center in Florence, Italy

Sean Smyth reports from the opening ceremony at BOBST’s new 1,200 square meter Competence Center in Florence, Italy, where they showed off six of their label, flexible packaging, and carton presses. Read More

Musings on drupa, 2024

Industry analyst Sean Smyth offers some initial impressions of drupa 24.   Read More

Global Perspectives: Print in Western Europe

Global Perspectives: Print in Western Europe

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a Global Perspectives article that looked at the state of the printing industry in a specific nation or region. In this article, Sean Smyth profiles Western Europe. Read More

PCMC to Host Two Exciting Open House Events in Packaging Innovation Center

PCMC to Host Two Exciting Open House Events in Packaging Innovation Center

Smithers Analyst and Consultant Sean Smyth talks to Windell Mcgill of PCMC about two recent open houses they'll be hosting in their Packaging Innovation Center in Green Bay, Wis. Read More

The Whole Package: From Economics to Ecology, What the Does the Future Hold?

The Whole Package: From Economics to Ecology, What the Does the Future Hold?

Contributor Sean Smyth looks into his crystal ball at what the future of packaging production will entail, from trends in sustainability to automation and robotics, and more. Read More