The technology for 3D printing is only a few years old. However, it has only recently began to catch on. Now, most experts view it as one of the most important technological developments of this century. The technology is going to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, including travel. The impact on the travel industry has already begun to be felt, albeit minimally.
3D Printing and Travel
The major problem that the travel industry has, especially the airlines, is weight. This problem could disappear in just a few years. When plane parts are 3D printed, it is possible to cut down the weight significantly. In addition, it makes it easier to manufacture parts with higher precision.
Another major source of weight is the luggage that travellers carry. In future, people will not need to carry their luggage. Instead, one could just manufacture their items at their destination. In short, one will only need to carry digital files with them. At the port of destination, they could just go into a booth and print all they right there and then. However, this technology is still a few decades away according to experts like http://www.3dprintinggeeks.com.
3D printing technology could also prove very important for medical patients. In future, when a patient gets sick, all that will require is their digital medical files. These files will then be used to come up with replacements that are necessary. Thus, travel could become much safer for people who are afraid to travel due to medical conditions.
Conclusion
The result of the interaction of travel and 3D printing will be cheaper and safer travel. However, experts warn that this revolution is still a few decades away. This prediction may soon change due to the breakthroughs that are being made in 3D printing. The major obstacle remains the cost of the technology for the best 3d printer.