The concept of 3D printing was born in the 1940s and 1950s, but it did not become a commercial reality until the 1980s. Back then, a 3D printer would set you back a few hundred thousand dollars, even at 1980s prices. 

In more recent years, the growth of the Additive Manufacturing sector has led to more affordable and reliable 3D printing technology, with applications in healthcare, manufacturing and construction. So why don’t we 3D print more?

In this week’s Lexicon, we speak to 3D printing consultant, investor and executive editor of 3DPrint.com, Joris Peels, about how far the technology has come, and where it might be going.