Discussion on:

Can 3D printing benefit resource-challenged communities?

If you do an energy and materials budget for 3-D printed products potential you would see just how limited those products are when compared to existing industrial processes. "Resource limited countries" are equally limited for the necessary resources for 3-D printing, if not more so. The 3-D printing - single solution/silver bullet mentality as a trendy movement - is really just a continuation of the public's scientific illiteracy trend.

If you read the Economist article, you will find that the students are quite aware of the cost issue, and recognize that a 3D-printed bucket is probably not cost-effective. On the other hand, there is lots of plastic going into dumps even in less-developed nations. Recycling such material is a win-win. An example cited: printing small boats from recycled plastic could save trees.