Ordinary people could one day use 3D printers to make shoes, glasses frames and toys at home instead of going to the shops, according to speakers at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Music star will.i.am, making a debut as creative officer for 3D Systems, predicts the technology will do for many basic items what iTunes did to the way people get songs.
He predicted that within a decade, 3D printers will be common in homes and people will print out everyday items instead of going to the shops or waiting for a delivery.
"3D printers will be in your house like refrigerators, TVs and microwaves," will.i.am said.
3D printing has been around for about 25 years but has surged in popularity as the technology improves and costs drop to a point accessible for hobbyists, artists and entrepreneurs.
Printers aimed at the home market typically create products using layers of plastic.
"Think of it as laying microscopic bricks; layers and layers of these bricks," said Roger Chang, chief executive of Singapore-based Pirate 3D, which makes a Buccaneer home printer that sells for $US497 ($A560).
"Eventually, if you put enough bricks you get a building."
Brooklyn-based MakerBot was the only 3D printer company at the show five years ago. Now, it is surrounded by rivals on a large section of show floor devoted to the trend.
"We feel like this is the year of 3D printing," MakerBot spokesperson Jenifer Howard told AFP.
Along with objects such as figurines, chess pieces and appliance handles, printers can pump out ball bearings, gears and components for creations with moving parts.
"3D printing really is limitless," Howard said.
She noted that aerospace and defence contractor Lockheed Martin used MakerBot printers to make a part for a telescope set to launch into space in about four years.
MakerBot printers have been used in Africa to make prosthetic hands at a fraction of what they might typically cost, said Howard.
Digital plans for the "robo-hand" have been downloaded 55,000 times, according to MakerBot, which makes a vast library of digital blueprints available free at its website.
Fifth-generation Makerbot printers cost from $US1,375 to $US6,500.
"Once you start 3D printing, you actually look at the world differently," Howard said.
"Instead of thinking of going to the store, you say you can make it yourself."
3D Pirate's Chang thinks independent toy makers will be among those who make 3D printing mainstream.
"The same way iTunes allowed independent musicians to flourish by posting digital songs, indie toy designers can let their customers just print out the toys without worrying about economies of scale or distribution deals," Chang said.
Andrew Boggeri of Las Vegas-based Full Spectrum Laser cited a study indicating that the average home could save up to $US2,000 annually by printing their own replacements for 27 commonly broken household items.
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