3D printer makers have facilitated the creation of the printed gun, printed bullet, even a 3D printed tracheal splint to help save a baby's life. It has been reported that an Austin company wants to manufacture 3D pizzas for astronauts. Then comes in the U.S. Navy which is mulling to turn city-sized aircraft carriers into mobile factories through the aid of 3D Printing. With the do-it-yourself mentality hype that accompanies 3D printing, it won't be a surprise that the simple technology would eventually eliminate the legitimate world of global manufacturing industries.

All because 3D printing is touted to be comparatively cheaper to maintain than traditional manufacturing. And with technology constantly evolving, this is not a far-fetched reality.

For example, in the case of steel production, traditional manufacturing would require large blocks of iron ore to make the material, then use another machine to cut it and then another machine to create the final product. The result? A much larger amount of waste harmful not only to man but also to the environment.

The tool and die manufacturing likewise require several processes and forms to be built, including large machinery, workshops and assembly-line support.

In contrast, 3D printing is highly accessible and cheaper to maintain because it can be done in anyone's garage or basement, and often with a microwave-sized device.

What's more, 3D printers can always adjust to a new product-line as fast as the introduction of a new software was made.

Read: Terrorism Scare Highly Possible With 3D Printing

"As technology improves, sooner or later the elaborate process of building a computer could be reduced to home manufacture via 3D printer," John Aziz, an analyst at Pieria, wrote in a blog published at theweek.com. "For cost and convenience, 3D printing could become the new normal."

Not only would 3D printing eliminate the usual gigantic costs associated with global manufacturing, it would help lessen dependency on fragile global supply chains, Mr Aziz said.

What's more, "it could reduce the barriers to entry to industrial design and manufacturing, allowing for an influx of new competitors, unleashing a flood of creativity and increasing consumer choice."

Mr Aziz' observations had actually become true in the case of the Liberator 3D printed gun. Where one maker thought of creating a single-shot 3D printed gun, a fan who was able to download Liberator's blueprint, had fashioned a still mostly-plastic pistol that is capable of shooting nine rounds.

Read: 3D-Printed Gun 'The Liberator' Will Kill Both Target and Owner - NSW Police

RELATED STORIES