Running Head: 3D PRINTING 1

3D Printing: Critical Analysis

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3D Printing: Critical Analysis

“Gartner Says Uses of 3D Printing Will Ignite Major Debate on Ethics and Regulation”

Introduction

3D printing is a technology that is fast advancing and taking the world by storm. This

discussion analyses an article by Gartner Inc. on the perceived negativities of 3D printing in the

near future. 3D printing is basically taking the production process to the next level. Although

most of the current models of 3D printers are able to replicate originals using plastics, the field

that is fast advancing holds more promises for the future. Medically, Gartner Inc. has been able

to acknowledge the significance of 3D printing in helping patients including replicating organs

using personal stem cells. The major area of concern as pointed out in Gartner’s article is that 3D

printing poses more danger ethically hence the looming risks of the technology being scrapped in

the near future. Gartner cites the violation of intellectual rights by 3D printing to be their main

borne of contention. This discussion offers a critical review of the article claiming that the

logical conclusions made by Gartner Inc. regarding the future of the technology are only short

sited, one sided and deviates from the moral reality.

Summary of the Article

The article begins by indicating that the medical use of 3D printing (bioprinting) is likely

to cause a major ethical debate regarding its operating standards. Gartner Inc. then goes ahead to

explain that the printing of non-human parts such as prosthetic limbs will cause a positive shift to

the demand patterns creating a market dilemma. The dilemma as indicated by Pete Basiliere, a

researcher at Gartner Inc. is that there is no major body to oversee the quality control nor are

there enough producers to meet the existing demand. In explaining why demand problems would
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exist, this particular article acknowledges the reasons why the technology will be consumed by

many which include factors such as the easy access of the technology. Aside from the demand,

Gartner Inc. is able to explore the possible occurrence of Intellectual Property theft. With the

rampant and uncontrolled use of 3D printers in the coming future, the article gives an overview

of what can be equated to an apocalypse where intellectual rights are violated (Gartner, 2014).

Critical analysis

In writing this particular article, Gartner Inc. has excelled in indicating how significant

the technology of 3D printers is relevant in the field of medicine. Millions of lives can be saved

using the technology. The article does well in citing two incidents where the technology has

excelled or saved a life (Gartner, 2014). In the near future from the time the article was written,

many consumers will be able to benefit from the easy access of products or modifying them at

their own ease. However, in predicting the potential ethical concerns or violation of intellectual

rights regarding the use of the technology, Gardner Inc researchers falls short of the readers

expectations by making an early and one sided conclusion to the very technology that many are

looking forward to. In every technology that arises, the possibility of violating intellectual rights

usually arises but when time passes and the laws have been developed to accommodate the

regulation of the technology, things usually turn back to normal. One such case that caused

problems was the introduction of the VCR where it was deemed that folks at home would be able

to record programs for their own benefits later. The technology survived and led to advancement

of other devices in that sector. With the heartbeat of 3D printing only beginning to pump, it will

be immoral to put a premature end to such a venture that promises to save many medically, let

alone reprieving them economically through accessing modified and cheaper models at the

market. Ethical arguments are done with the intention of protecting the greater good for the
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majority, contrary to the insights provided by Gartner Inc. researchers, the technology can only

be regulated but not fully wiped out.

Personal Opinion

With regards to what Gartner Inc. think that is a challenge; I personally think that 3D

printing presents an opportunity and not a threat that is contagious. Through 3D printing,

majority of people will be able to benefit medically and largely from the economic perspective.

The ethical arguments cannot advocate for the scrapping out of the technology because it will be

immoral in itself to do that after exhibiting that masses can be helped. The only solution to

creating a balance in the use of the technology is by the use of the law. But for efficiency to be

achieved, the law needs to evolve to accommodate the current technology (Schissel, 2014). Most

designers usually do not register their products or go for unregistered intellectual rights. The

catastrophic events that Gardner Inc. anticipates can only be averted by strict registration of new

designs. By doing so, the quality control aspect will regulate itself automatically through the

process.

Conclusion

With 3D printing technology spreading its effects to the market, the best way to curb its

effects is through regulation and not wiping the entire venture out. This particular article has

provided a critical analysis of the article on 3D printing written by Garner Inc. The research

corporation indicates that 3D printing will create an ethical dilemma by creating market

problems and breaching intellectual rights. From a critical point of view, these insights deviate

from the reality of the situation. With technology already proven valid and regulation proved to

be the solution, the question is how will the regulation be enforced in a diverse field where
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anybody does anything to survive? Aside from the pressing issues, 3D printing promises to save

many people medically, all efforts should be made to ensure that the technology thrives for the

greater benefit.
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References

Gartner. (2014, January 29). Gartner Says Uses of 3D Printing Will Ignite Major Debate on

Ethics and Regulation. Retrieved October 25, 2015, from

http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2658315

Schissel, N. (2014). 3D Printing and Implications on Intellectual Property Rights. Retrieved

October 25, 2015, from http://technologylawadvisor.com/3d-printing-and-implications-on-

intellectual-property-rights/