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We are always on the look out for real change and disruption.  What do we mean by real?  There are very few times we have witnessed real change in the economic world, perhaps once each generation.  The majority of concepts we identify as change are really just extension of the real change or evolution on top of it.  Examples: mobile networks, the internet, the PC, television, the automobile, telephone, steam engine and railroads… you get the idea.  These are BIG changes.  Things like social networking, outsourcing, interstate highways, ecommerce are all extension of the big change or are enabled by it.

So, as we look out over the next few years at potential for change, we see a couple of things the strike our fancy – one being 3D printing.  This is just what it sounds like.  You can print something, nearly anything, in three dimensional form using materials like plastic and eventually metals and others.  It works in a layering process, depositing each thin layer at a time and building vertically.  The is virtually no limit to the types of items you can make – save for size and material – both of which technology will solve.  So what?  I can print a chess piece or model building?  You could.  And you could also print an antique car part, or customized case, or a machine part, or a prosthetic limb (already happening)….

What?

Yes, THAT is the type of reason this is exciting, that applications are only growing with awareness – just like other big changes who’s original audience and application was far more limited vs. its final mark.

Keep an eye on this space.