3D printing, coupled with the maturation of the internet of things – i.e. the connection of any object to the internet – will reshape the way we design, produce and deliver products, notably by enabling the emergence of so-called “distributed manufacturing”. While the design of a product can potentially be crowdsourced on a global scale, its manufacture could take place at consumption points. Such manufacturing will allow us to move away from a predominantly mass-production model to a “mass-customization” model.
I'd say, in general, it's a good thing. And that we are already heading in that direction, and have done so for years.
As of now, for sale and distribution of text, graphics, moving pictures, music, we already can use "distributed manufacturing." Most people would say it's good.
Here's a brute force example. Let's say you want to buy a paper book, but you want to do this online, digitally. Is it possible today, easily? Actually yes. But first, you need to acquire the raw materials - paper and ink cartridges, in this case. You download the Acrobat (or similar) version of the book, you print the content on your home printer, and then you can collate this book locally. There. Much like 3D printing, where paper and ink are the only raw materials needed.
With 3D printing today, we are still limited in the materials. But in principle, you can build anything locally, as long as you have the digital file with the design code, the raw material, and the machine (3D printer) to shape that raw material into a finished product. So, just as most people do not want to bother to print and collate the entire book at home, most people will probably also not want to produce a refrigerator, at home. But conceivably, it's doable.
In the blue-sky ultimate incarnation of such ideas, which of course won't materialize anytime soon, what we end up selling is the intellectual property, meaning the digital .exe file(s), the raw materials necessary, and the reusable 3D printers. We have seen now that for music and movies, people do not deal with tapes, CDs or DVDs, records, or reels of silver halide film. Already, these are bought and sold as 1 and 0 bits, packaged in files, over the Internet.
Of course, now you have to ask yourself. Is it easier for me to 3D-print that new refrigerator I want, which will involve first getting deliveries of copper, plastic, steel, refrigerant, and so on, to my home, or is it not simpler to have the finished product delivered to me instead?
It's a given that new manufacturing technologies will make individuals more vulnerable rather than empower them.
The two contributors above hold each one part of the truth.
You probably want to introduce a transactional element between the employer (Enterprise running a factory) and the employee (worker in a factory). Work can be organised in different ways. Remember the repetitive work in Charlie Chaplins "Modern Times" movie.
Production will be more efficient if it is a win win, for the Enterprise and for the Worker.
The Worker is very skilled and qualified, and supervises machine operation.
The Enterprise relies on its qualified Workers and rewards them adequately, paying attention to personal development, and innovation culture giving employees a voice.
Now, it is not always the case, but companies not listening to their employees are outperformed in the long term by those listening.
A good mood at work is beneficial to all.
I have heard of a global leader which wanted to equip workers with wearable systems. This wearable project was led by the human resource department of the company and discussed with trade unions and workers.
Empowered workers are happier and more productive...
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