2.5D Printing

4The Future

‘It follows that an art which has fallen into disuse for the period of a generation is altogether lost. There are hundreds of examples of this to which the process of mechanization is continuously adding new ones. These losses are usually irretrievable’ (Polanyi, 1958).

4.1 Introduction

How might 2.5D printing impact the future? The primary question looking forward to the future is: What will the print industry look like and how will it function over the next fifty years? The chapters and case studies in Chapter 5 explore the richness of our material culture and the need for printing and material diversity. To ensure we can continue to do this, we are reliant on nurturing new research talent through academia and industry, knowledge exchange between academic and industry and collaboration across countries. The sharing and migration of knowledge between countries is vital for cross‐fertilization and circulation of ideas, best practice, local knowledge and between different socio and cultural groups.

In commercial terms we see a wealth of opportunity and application through commercial expos, exhibitions, science, design and craft magazines and these in a way are the barometer of the crossovers in a material culture. In education, the crossovers from research to teaching, from doctorate to undergraduate requires teachers and students to be well equipped with a portfolio of basic skills: drawing, understanding of making and materials, alongside good design and communication. ...