How will 3D printing affect your life?

3D printing is one of those technologies that’s been hovering on the edge of public consciousness for a few years without ever hitting the mainstream.

But as the technology has matured and the machines become cheaper, 3D printing is set to affect all of us. UK electronics supplier RS Components has put together an infographic showing how 3D printing will develop over the next few decades.

In the short term it predicts that by 2020 many aircraft parts will be 3D printed, saving weight and leading to more efficiency. In 2025 we could be 3D printing replacement human organs using modified stem cells with the patient’s own DNA.

Looking further ahead to 2040, drones could have on-board printers allowing them to make repairs or create mini-drones for specific tasks while in the air. Five years further on and your kitchen could have a 3D printer to make cookies, pretzels and other snacks on demand.

You can see more, with predictions out to 2060, in the full graphic below.