technology . Additionally , the usage of 3-D printing
will expand due to the availability of materials with
greater strength and resistance to heat and mois-
ture. When the price of 3-D printers is reduced, per-
haps to $300 or so, the number of machines used for
home applications will drastically expand from cur-
rent levels. At this price level, the market penetra-
tion of home-based 3-D printers will begin to
resemble that of small laser printers. As with the
industrial market, increased market penetration
will result in additional 3-D home applications. Material costs will also decrease as a result of higher
market penetration. The future holds great promise
for 3-D printing as a technology and for end users as
a result. References
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