ABSTRACT
As 3D printing is moving toward the attention of wide-ranging societal context and spaces, it is taking on an increasing amount of roles and potentialities. While initially seen as a developmental tool for designers, architects, and engineers, digital fabrication is moving outside of these professional practices. This chapter analyzes the emerging social practice, mediation, and knowledge that are being carried through the development of the 3D printer. Through the disciplinary views and uses of digital fabrication, claims are being made that reposition boundaries between digital information and physical material making. Although digital fabrication is mostly associated with the production of plastic, metallic, or ceramic goods for conceptualizing and making artifacts, it is also possible to fabricate with novel materials, such as edible food. The engagement of people has an influence on the shaping of technological artifacts. The sociotechnical development of video entertainment changed many of the existing patterns of video consumption.
