The three-dimensional3-D printer, which was once considered to be only a part of science fiction, is now slowly finding its way into the main steam in a big way in several countries around the world.

The 3-D printing technology is now used everywhere from hobbyists to Air Force drone research centers. A 3-D printer is now available for as low as $400 to $500,000 for a sophisticated version and create a host of objects including 3-D objects with moving parts. The internet is full of user made objects like iPad stands, guitars, jewelry, even others.

Experts have said that the invention is huge advancement but warned that it could be misused to compromise public safety and also pointed out that it would affect the manufacturing enterprises. They said that 3-D printing is fundamentally changing the manufacturing ecosystem in a huge way. Some go as far as to say that in the next two and half decade, the whole manufacturing industry is going to be transformed and countries relying on mass production will have no revenues or jobs.

According to the data released, the U. S. Defense Department has spent more than $2 million on 3-D printers and its uses vary from medical research to weapons development.