A guest article by Abbey Peschel, Boston-area printing and marketing specialist

The massive appeal of 3D printing technology is bound to increase as new ways of using these printers are introduced. Although many people have had some exposure to the capabilities of 3D printers in terms of producing tangible and viable goods from a broad range of materials, modern artists are now using this technology to take art to entirely new levels. This has resulted in the production of visually intriguing works that might not be possible without the use of technology.

One of the impressive 3D printing works of art is Digital Grotesque, a massive and highly detailed room designed by Oscar winner H.R. Giger. Inspired by the process of cell division, the room is based on a complex algorithm that naturally divides simple cubes. The results have been likened to an alien cathedral fused with the skeletal system of an extra-terrestrial.

3D Printing Innovations Pave The Way For Personalized Marketing

An increasing number of major brands are turning to 3D printing as a way to personalize their products and their promotional efforts. Although this technology has become far more accessible and affordable, there is also some concern over the potential for reputation piracy. Thus, widespread use of 3D printing as a marketing tool is not anticipated to occur for several more years.

Some companies are making it possible for consumers to use this technology to custom design their own products. The production and delivery process is remarkably short and enables consumers to leave stores with their custom purchases in hand. Given that CAD files, which essentially serve as the digital blue-prints for 3D projects can be easily shared online, the major hurdle in using and encouraging the use of this technology lies in finding ways to protect intellectual property.

The access to 3D printers remains extremely limited in most sectors, however, declining costs without the limits of copyright or other legal complications are anticipated to change this over time. Companies that are ambitious enough to take this leap will be able to produce need-specific designs for consumers, effectively branding products that are in many ways, the brainchilds of clients themselves. Thus, the most dramatic change in commerce produced by this equipment could be the commercial ability to brand goods that have been custom-designed by clients, or to essentially profit from the ownership of advanced technical tools.