3D Printing: Developing Countries Perspectives

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current state, challenges, and opportunities of 3D printing in developing countries, highlighting its potential to address local problems and serve as a foundation for future research.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive critical review of 3D printing's application, challenges, and future prospects specifically in developing countries.

Findings

3D printing is emerging in developing countries with significant potential.

Challenges include limited infrastructure and technical expertise.

Opportunities involve localized manufacturing and cost reduction.

Abstract

For the past decade, 3D printing (3DP) has become popular due to availability of low-cost 3D printers such as RepRap and Fab@Home; and better software, which offers a broad range of manufacturing platform that enables users to create customizable products. 3DP offers everybody with the power to convert a digital design into a three dimensional physical object. While the application of 3DP in developing countries is still at an early stage, the technology application promises vast solutions to existing problems. This paper presents a critical review of the current state of art of 3DP with a particular focus on developing countries. Moreover, it discusses the challenges, opportunities and future insights of 3DP in developing countries. This paper will serve as a basis for discussion and further research on this area.