The Impact of Low-Cost AM Systems

Abstract

Media attention over additive manufacturing is at an all-time high. Much of this is to do with the vast increase in the availability of the technology due to massive reductions in the technology costs. By making it possible for individuals to afford them for their own personal use, the true potential has been, to some extent, uncovered. This chapter will discuss some of the issues surrounding the low-cost technologies, including machine developments due to patent expiry, the rise of the Maker movement and some of the new business models that have resulted.