3D printing technology cannot be used in mass production, so some experts tout 3D printing as the third Industrial revolution. This is just a gimmick. Foxconn has made iphones for Apple for years. Gou took 3D-printed mobile phones as an example, explaining that 3D-printed products can only be seen but not used, because electronic components cannot be added to these products, which cannot be mass-produced for electronic products. Even if 3D printing does not produce electronic products, there are few other products that can be produced due to the limitation of materials. "Even if the products are produced, they cannot be mass-produced and will break when dropped.

"3D printing is really better for some small scale manufacturing, especially high-end customised products, such as car parts. Although the main material is plastic, metal will definitely be used in 3D printing in the future, "said Crump, adding that 3D printing technology has found its way into dentistry, jewellery and healthcare, and will be used more widely in the future. At the end of November 2014, 3D printing technology was named by Time magazine as one of the 25 best inventions of 2014. That is a boon for consumers and businesses. In the past year alone, middle school students have 3D printed train cars for physics class experiments, scientists have 3D printed human organ tissue, and General Electric has used 3D printing to improve the efficiency of its jet engines. "It's a really neat piece of technology," said Avi Reichenthal, chief executive of 3D Systems, a company whose 3D printers can print everything from candy to Musical Instruments.