3D Printing's Monster Potential Effect on Everything

Recent stories on 3D manufacturing have created some thoughts on how disruptive this technology and product really can be. It seems that over time newer 3D printers are consistently creating higher quality items at lower prices than the older models. This is great news for consumers and local manufacturing. This is not so good news for high quantity manufacturers that have a lot of distance between themselves and the consumer (think China). It could be a mixed bag for governments. Tax receipts should increase due to the increase in manufacturing. But regulators are going to have a big task on hand trying to control the safety of products. The ripples of this product will go far and wide into almost every industry.

Recently, there was a story by Fast Company that showed a weapon being created and successfully fired. The weapon was created by Solid Concepts, out of Austin, Texas. This can truly be considered a disrupter. How the firearms industry as well as governments handle such a product being able to be produced at a high level will be interesting.

What will become of the overseas toy factory as more higher powered 3D printers come into the market place? The cost benefit of the manufacturing process that low cost factories currently hold (cheap labor) will probably be erased by the savings in shipping and product time to market. Factory closings and job loss is not something governments will be looking positively on.  

Auxiliary industries will also have to heed this development. Shipping will no doubt be impacted in a large way. Countries with a high number of consumers should benefit from this economic development. This will probably create more jobs in heavy consumer economies. Basic material and natural resource usage will increase providing higher employment.

Government receipts should increase for high consumer based countries and will undoubtedly shrink for those countries with a small consumer base. Countries that have do not have a strong manufacturing infrastructure can now manufacture more now.

. The ability to create what you want when you want is getting a little closer with this product and the technology that comes along with it. This is exciting.

Should Google Buy Shazam?

Hey

Just wondering if there has ever been an attempt by Google to either buy Shazam or have a competing service? It would make sense as Shazam is essentially a music search engine.

Just a thought....

Wearable Wrist Tablet Device

Hey all

Recently, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal about wearable computers getting closer to being mainstream as manufacturers are becoming better able to bend materials.

I see a future wearable consumer tablet named "The Quarterback" modeled after the wrist band quarterbacks wear during games. Anyone know if this already exists?