For the dreamer, high-tech enthusiast, and entrepreneur, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, seems to embody the promise of what could be. Forward-thinking companies like Ford Motor Co., GE, and Mattel have been using 3D printing for R&D since the 1980s. However, the caveats about material restrictions, poor resolution, and lack of user-friendly input tools, have relegated the technology as pie-in-the-sky manufacturing. No more.

Economical 3D printing for consumer products became a reality on Dec. 2, 2013, as 3D Systems unveiled several innovative products at EuroMold 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany.

“Leapfrogging from monochrome to full-color functional plastics redefines ‘the possible’ for designers, engineers, architects, marketers, and artists,” says Buddy Byrum, vice president of product and channel management for 3D Systems. “For the first time ever, users can get directly out of a 3D printer real-use parts, vibrant models, and functional prototypes in full color, quickly, accurately, and affordably.”

 …