3D printing creates real, solid objects one layer at a time using digital data. 3D printing may therefore soon do for manufacturing and medicine what computers and the Internet have already done for the creation, processing and storage of information. For an explanation of 3D printing technologies, opportunities and implications, please see the 3D Printing page or my book 25 Things You Need to Know About the Future.
The 3D printing marketplace is now evolving extremely quickly. This directory brings together links to those organizations currently developing and producing 3D printers, as well as those pioneering their application. If you know of a site that should be included, please let me know.
Bioprinting is the particular branch of 3D printing dedicated to the creation of living, organic materials one layer at a time. The following are all at the forefront of this cutting-edge area of medical research:
