3-D Printer: Your Next Home Accessory

For the latest developments on this topic see 3D Printing updates.

Imagine being able to print a cup and saucer on a machine that sells for the price of a toaster. Such is the promise of 3-D Printers in the home (or at least at local Hackerspaces.

3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where a three dimensional object is created by laying down successive layers of material. 3D printers are generally faster, more affordable and easier to use than other additive manufacturing technologies. 3D printers offer product developers the ability to print parts and assemblies made of several materials with different mechanical and physical properties in a single build process. Advanced 3D printing technologies yield models that can serve as product prototypes.

3-D printers are older than you may think. They have been around for more than 20 years. Hobbyists are printing their own action figures, doctors have used the systems to print artificial organs, and chefs are testing out ways to print gourmet meals.

The cheapest printers five years ago ranged from $25,000 to $50,000. Now, they're available for as little as $1,000. Read more at CNN Money.

• The 3D printing "industry" grew 24% last year. Wohlers Associates conservatively forecasts industry-wide growth to be $3.1 billion by 2016 and $5.2 billion by 2020. Thus, according to John Robb at Global Guerrillas, 3D printing is breaking out of the hobbyist market.

• There are now 4,000 MakerBot 3D printers out in the wild. Join Chris Hardwick as he ventures into the "Botcave" to uncover the story—and vision— behind MakerBot's mission to democratize personal manufacturing. View the MakerBot tour here.

• Illustrative of the movement of 3D printers into the mainstream, there is now an  iPhone app that allows users to scan and print models of their faces on home fabrication machines.