I've recently done quite a bit of reading about this technology that mind you has been around for quite a while (as in 20+ years). The process of 3D printing is quite simple. You break down a 3D object into minuscule layers (horizontal cross sections) and you print those one on top of each other starting from the very bottom of the object and moving all the way to the very top. Suddenly you find yourself with a fully functional 3 dimentional object made of whatever material went into the printer.
3D printing has long been used for prototyping, or making mini replicas of an object to help designers visualize what they have in mind when it goes to manufacturing. But like the PC 40 years ago, these special printers were quite expensive and production was very limited. However the PC became ubiquitous and with that came the age of the internet both of which revolutionized our world (on all fronts: business, economy, social...).
The cost of 3D printer has been rapidly decreasing and with the lowering of prices more and more people will be able to afford them. Then it's only a matter of time before people begin using them at home in their basement grow their own products using 3D designs that they found on the internet. the article below goes into more details on some of the implications, and I also added a few links to other articles on the topic.
If you were to go to google trends and type 3D printing you would get this http://www.google.com/trends/viz?q=3D+printing&graph=weekly_img&sa=N
Notice how the number of articles published on the topic has been on the rise. Usually that's a good indicator that something is happening. I would keep my eye out on this tech, as it could indeed usher a revolution similar to what the PC and the Web did.
A great article about how 3D printing will change the way we acquire products and how it will impact the world economy
How Jay Leno uses it to make old car parts.
3D printing using stainless steel
What Philips think about how we'll consume food in 2030
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