When I think of 3D printing, my mind flashes back to Mission Impossible 3, in which 3D printers are used to quickly create silicone face-masks with which the agents can disguise themselves. I remember thinking that this incredible technology, with all its complexity, speed and precision, couldn’t be too far from being developed.

In fact, as I found out later, that kind of technology had already been in the works; 3D printing has since evolved enough to become a burgeoning development in our consumer market.

I must say, I find the concept of 3D printing amazing in terms of its convenience and flexibility for product manufacture. 3D printing will sport endless benefits for companies, as well as their consumers.

With a 3D printer, shopping for products online would be incredibly fast and convenient. Imagine you’re shopping online for a pair of shoes: you’ve purchased the pair you’re interested in, you download a specific file containing instructions for the printer, and once the printer has been loaded with the right materials, the shoes can be printed right from your home.

The possibilities for customized products would be near infinite!

I, myself, am “flat-footed”; I’ve been wearing specialized, custom-fit soles in my shoes since I was very young. The notion that I could print out my own in-soles from home, rather than spending more time at the physiotherapist’s office, astonishes and relieves me. This level of customization could be applied to endless different products.

3D printing also allows for increased instant gratification. While this theory is widely frowned upon (especially at SFU), think about the possibility if the production of goods could avoid factories entirely.

Stores, such as auto-shops, could manufacture new parts without having to wait for them to be shipped. The Harvard Business Review had it right, saying that higher per-unit production would be “offset by the elimination of shipping and of buffer inventories.” At least one company has seen the cost for production of goods reduced by 70%, according to Indian Springs Manufacturing Company’s president Shawn Ferguson.

So, do I have your attention yet?

Many companies have now begun to use 3D printing in their manufacturing processes. Recently, Hasbro Inc., makers of Monopoly and Play-Doh, signed a contract with the company 3D Systems to create a 3D printer for children to print off their toys. Adidas and Nike have been using 3D technology to create the cleat for their footwear.

But consider this: 3D printing could also be used to print food. Last year, NASA granted significant funding to mechanical engineer Anjan Contractor in order to develop a 3D printer for astronauts to use while on lengthy space-missions.

With the correct dehydrated powders, astronauts would be able to print out their food through a printer that heats and mixes these powders together. This has already been achieved with chocolate, and now, believe it or not, Contractor claims that he can print pizza!

In a heightened post-Ford era where niche marketing and instant gratification are very important, 3D printing will undoubtedly broaden and evolve the ways we view the production and consumption of goods.

In other words, when I have kids, I’ll be printing out their face-masks when Halloween rolls around. Say adios to Value Village!