3D printing has to be seen to be believed.
Some describe it as magical. Others say it could turn our entire economy upside down. There’s no denying this is one technology worth watching. But can your family afford one?
What started off as a niche hobby for enthusiasts has blossomed into what looks set to become a booming industry with billions of pounds of investment flowing in.
XYZprinting, a little known Taiwanese manufacturer caught our attention as the first company to take this exciting new technology from unaffordable to mass adoption, by selling hundreds of machines to schools across Britain.
XYZprinting grew out of a successful ink and paper printing company that makes over $39bn of revenue each year.
Three years ago XYZprinting’s chair Simon Chen (pictured above) took the bold move to embark on a mission to put a 3D printer in every home and office.
This year his dream will come one step closer to reality, with the company’s entry-level Junior model selling in the UK for just £299 this Christmas, pitching it firmly within the reach of many tech-hungry consumers. The basic device only prints in single colours but has already found a loyal following in schools up and down the country.
3D printing for the masses
In 2012, when 3D printing technology took off most machines were priced at around £1000, limiting printing to a well-heeled minority of buyers. Despite this, a growing number of early adopters recognised the potential.
Read more: Print weird & wonderful objects at hundreds of 3D Hubs across Britain.
“Everybody uses 3D printing in different ways” Chen explains enthusiastically in a small meeting room away from the packed halls of IFA, Europe’s largest tech show. “20 years from now 3D printing will overtake paper”.
Much like inkjet printing that came before it, in time, 3D printing will get cheaper. In 5 years time Chen predicts machines that can print in different colours and in different materials will become commonplace and affordable for most families.
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3D printed cookies, chocolate and pizza
Many of XYZprinting’s machines also have include built-in 3D scanners, meaning you can (if you were so inclined) easily create a 3D printed copy of anything you like without the need for complex design software.
And the 3D printed future is about much more than plastics and metals. At the IFA tech show this party piece (pictured above) attracted the crowds, a machine that can 3D print cookies, chocolate and even pizza.
With three separate ingredient tubes for dough, sauce or flavourings, this machine can bake (and make) your wildest culinary ideas come true.
At a rumoured $2000, it will remain a niche product for now, attracting high-end restaurants and wedding cake makers looking for the ultimate in personalised desserts.
But much like how prices for plastics-based printers have fallen within the reach of schools, Chen believes artisan bakeries and coffee shops will soon lap up the opportunity to offer their customers bespoke baked goods.
First it was schools, next it could be cake shops.
With the technology finally coming of age, perhaps it’s only a matter of time before trendy East London boasts its first 3D printed bakery.
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