Implications of 3D Printing on Economy, Value Chains, and Intellectual Property

Abstract

This work describes how 3DP economics differ from those of traditional manufacturing and distribution, the early ties between the “maker” movement and the 3D printing (3DP) industry, and foreseeable 3DP impacts on value chains. This paper also analyzes how 3DP influences the pertinence, scope, and enforcement of several intellectual property (IP) rights instruments, and describes how it may affect product liability laws and regulations. I reviewed literature from scientific sources through Scopus, and non-academic content using Infotrac Newsstand database. 3DP and 3D scanning are tightly linked with the maker movement; they allow a more agile design, cost-effective and flexible manufacturing, and cheaper distribution of low-production and custom products. Moreover, 3DP has the potential to reconfigure value chains under certain conditions. Adjustments on IP regulation and product liability law are required to increase 3DP development and widespread adoption.