ABSTRACT
The objective of this chapter is to reflect on some possible consequences of a potential transition from the factory-based method of production to additive manufacturing (AM) (known as 3D printing). Some characteristics of AM make the consequences of this potential change transcend the mere sphere of the manufacturing sector. First, the production costs of AM are non-dependent on scale, increasing the availability and affordability of many products. Second, AM is less labor-intensive, which reduces market demand for unskilled labor, potentially driving up unemployment. Third, probably the most important characteristics of AM is that it implies the digitization of objects, possibly vivifying intellectual property and patent disputes between proprietors and the sharing community of Internet users. Under these circumstances, it can be expected for governments to try and mediate this conflict. Two somehow overdrawn scenarios will be portrayed to show possible consequences of such a conflict. The overall conclusion is that in the event this technology is widely adopted, even though it has the potential of creating new sources of wealth and accessibility, technological transformations are never a linear process and the social transformations that encompass these processes often times benefit some groups and in detriment of others.
