re: The Guardian: 1981 News Report on the Future of the Internet

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To me the difference between those innovations and 3D printing is that as soon as those new products became known I could immediately see how I would benefit from owning them.

For me 3D printing doesn't hold out the same level of benefits for me personally. Would I print out plastic forks and spoons? Or make plastic furniture? I don't think so.

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I agree with you and C that 3D printing isn't really ready for mainstream consumer use. As C mentioned the complexity of translating something from the computer to the 3D world and the fact that very few things are created using only a single material are the biggest hindrances.

I think in terms of in-home use we are still at best 10 years from regular consumers actually wanting a 3D printer, and perhaps more like 20 years.

Now, I do think manufacturers may start seeing huge benefits from 3D printing as soon as 5 years from now. Even with single material printing, the 3D printer could be utilized to produce single parts.

Ultimately, though, I do see the benefit of 3D printing for me as a consumer some day. Some day I truly think I'll be able to produce broken parts for electronics, furniture, instruments etc. from the comfort of my couch. It probably won't ever be as easy as it is depicted in The Jetsons ( ), but I think basic parts and materials will be something most consumers will utilize it for.