I'm fascinated by the idea of 3D printing; the simple idea of a computer being able to create something physical and tangible beyond simply squirting ink onto a piece of paper just seems huge. Whether its the idea of downloading and "printing" something instead of going out and buying it, or just being able to do something more interesting with 3D modelling software than making virtual worlds/objects, it seems like something with enormous potential.

This article in the Guardian by Charlotte Ricca-Smith suggests a more indirect consequence; a change in throwaway culture. I can't even imagine the number of things I've had to throw away (or more likely, stick in a drawer for several years until whatever it is becomes so obsolete I don't mind throwing it away) because of something like a cracked piece of plastic that makes whatever it is unusable. The idea that 3D printing could bring these kinds of things back to life seems like it shoudl be a great idea…

Of course, by the same sort of logic, we should also be able to easily find online manuals and instructions for any sort of product and with a few simple tools like hammers, spanners and screwdrivers, be able to perform our own simple repairs on washing machines and dishwashers (rather than spending half a day waiting for an engineer) but there is no sign of that happening any time soon...

Still. Its early days. We can be optimistic…