Abstract
Manufacturing processes have earlier been predominantly subtractive, i.e. three-dimensional objects were created by successively cutting material away from a solid block of material, either by scraping, machining, turning or dissolving. Additive manufacturing (AM) or three-dimensional (3D) printing, in contrast, is controlled material addition, implemented by successively depositing layers of material until a predesigned shape is formed. AM represents an innovative technology in manufacturing, and is certainly set to transform production processes, from the design to manufacture, and to eventual distribution to end users. The unique capability of this technology to produce intricate geometries with customizable material properties has made it a widely interesting and welcome development among scientists, industry and the general public. However, until now, most attention has been focused solely on the ingenuity of this ground-breaking technology and its wide range of possibilities. Little or no consideration is being given to the adverse effects of the seemingly unstoppable advancement of AM technology and unrestricted access to 3D-printing techniques. The wide acceptance and rapid spread of this technology has made 3D-printers increasingly openly accessible, and low-cost desktop printing, with capability to reproduce 3D objects from medical prostheses to weapons, is rapidly increasing in availability to the public. This paper brings to light some conceivable downsides and challenges of this impending development. Issues discussed include regulation gaps in manufacturing, digital piracy, and resulting loopholes in safety and national security. The paper also presents potential options for curbing those problems that can be contained, or otherwise adapting to the eventualities that lie beyond control.