I was recently in a conversation in which one of the participants firmly believed that 3d printing would replace all other manufacturing processes. “In a few years, 3d printers will become so refined and advanced that no other technology will be needed.”

I’m not so sure about that. Becoming more mainstream and replacing some existing technology? Yes. Becoming the only manufacturing process and replacing all other technology? No.

Some of the most precise components that I’ve ever worked on are axles that are accurate to within a few nanometers. I would have a hard time believing that this same feat can be accomplished with a 3d printer. We’ll see, I suppose.