Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 462,935 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,243 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 320,972 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,243 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 320,972 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,215 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 462,935 cutting edge ideas.

Tangible Printing

3D printing expands into different industries, becomes more accessible

Implications - The technology of 3D printing used to be mainly reserved for firms with large financial resources, but lower costs have increased its accessibility. Since 3D printing allows for prototyping in all of its forms, it is gaining mainstream momentum in industries like fashion, architecture and health, with DIY concepts even carving a path into the homes of consumers.
Trend Themes
1. Increased Accessibility of 3D Printing - Lower costs have made 3D printing more accessible and it is gaining momentum in mainstream industries, from fashion to architecture and health.
2. Pushing the Limits on Advancement - Products that push limits on advancement and appeal to those who desire innovation in their purchases can help increase revenue.
3. Eco-friendly 3D Printed Textiles - 3D printable textiles made from ink cartridges and powered plastic that conform to the contours of the skin are likely to become a popular eco-friendly alternative.
Industry Implications
1. Manufacturing - Lower costs to accessibility of 3D printing will disrupt traditional models of manufacturing in the short and medium term.
2. Fashion - From 3D printed nylon shoes to eco-friendly printable clothing, 3D printing is disrupting the fashion industry.
3. Renewable Energy - Printed solar panels will disrupt the renewable energy industry by slashing production costs of solar panels.
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
10 Featured, 82 Examples:
2,006,284 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Mar 10 — Aug 10
Trending:
Hot
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

3D Printed Body Armor
3D Printed Body Armor
Iron Man 2 Suits Were Made with Hi-Tech 3D Printers
A new wave of costume design has hit Hollywood: the Iron Man 2 suits from the box-office-crushing hit were by a 3D printer. The 3D printer by Object Geometries, to be exact. The Iron Man 2 suits worn… MORE
Printed 3D Nylon Shoes
Printed 3D Nylon Shoes
The Pauline Van Dongen 'Metamorphosis' Line at The Future of Fashion
Printed masterpieces in 3D are slowly overtaking the world, from architecture to ceramics and now, with the Pauline Van Dongen 'Metamorphosis' collection, fashion. A line of simple, stylish heels, Metamorphosis… MORE
play_circle_filled 3D Printable Textiles
3D Printable Textiles
Eco-Friendly Printable Clothing is Like Modern Chain Mail
The future of clothing and fabric is eco-friendly, especially if designers start using the 3D printable textiles made from ink cartridges and powered plastic. The idea is to use 3D printers to create textiles,… MORE
3D Printed Clothing (UPDATE)
3D Printed Clothing (UPDATE)
The Freedom of Creation Textiles Show Permanently at MoMA
Considering the rising popularity of 3D printing, it was only a matter of time that textile companies such as Freedom of Creation began exploiting it at a higher level. They have put together a stunning… MORE
Printable Architecture
Printable Architecture
The Enrico Dini 3D Printed Building is the First of its Kind
The Enrico Dinis 3D printed building is the world’s first, and is made from one of the only printers able to print buildings. The machine “marks a vital step change from the shoebox-size 3D printing of… MORE
play_circle_filled Automated Art
Automated Art
Shapeways' Glass 3D Printing Creates Incredible Designs
An experimental process, Shapeways’ glass 3D printing, uses recycled soda-lime glass. Glass powder is sintered—heated until it sticks together but doesn’t melt— then fired in a kiln. The end result is… MORE
play_circle_filled 3D Food Printers
3D Food Printers
Nico Klaber's 'Moleculaire' Makes Cooking a Push-Button Project
Nico Kläber’s Moléculaire is one of the eight finalists in the Electrolux Design Lab Challenge. I guess that if this technology appeals to the public, there might come a day when you’ll wake up in… MORE
play_circle_filled 3D Printed Animation
3D Printed Animation
Dutch TV Program Het Klokhuis Gets Stellar Intro from Johnny Kelly and Jethro
Johnny Kelly and Jethro Haynes created this stellar animation for the Dutch television program Het Klokhuis, which translates to ‘apple core.’ The video for Het Klokhuis was created by using a 3D printing… MORE
Printable Solar Panels
Printable Solar Panels
Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center Unveils World's First Printed Solar Cell
The development of a printed solar cell by the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center is an encouraging sign for solar power enthusiasts. Technology like this could change how we power our planet. Italian oil… MORE
DIY Duplicate Keys
DIY Duplicate Keys
'While You Sleep' by Oscar Diaz Lets You Print Your Own Keys
'While You Sleep' by Oscar Diaz is a design for duplicate keys using a 3D printer. Diaz's creation lets the user customize the keys' shape as a visual guide to their respective locks. The hole in the center… MORE

Related Examples

Portable Phone Props
Portable Phone Props
The Clever Stand Looks Like a Credit Card
Organic Quilting Cotton
Organic Quilting Cotton
Cloud9 Fabrics Responds to a Gap in the Eco-Friendly Market
17 Fiber Optic Innovations
17 Fiber Optic Innovations
From Modernized Primitive Weapons to Fiber Optic Pavilions
Recycled Bathtub Furniture
Recycled Bathtub Furniture
Cast Iron Tubs Become Funky Sofas
Arm Strap Gym Bags
Arm Strap Gym Bags
Quirky Fit Kit Sports Case Lets You Carry Life's Essentials While Exercising
Upholstered Animal Molds (UPDATE)
Upholstered Animal Molds (UPDATE)
Frederique Morrel Gives Fabric a New Life
Double Helical Lighting
Double Helical Lighting
The Ribbons of Life Lamp is Genetically Beautiful
Patchwork Fashion Collections
Patchwork Fashion Collections
Ademar Ferrera's oNONO Collection is Inspired by Brazil
Acoustic Fabrics
Acoustic Fabrics
Yoel Fink Invents a Sound Detecting and Recording Material
Eyeglass Lens Pendants
Eyeglass Lens Pendants
Fo-Shizzle Design Studios' 'Specs Appeal' Necklaces
Luxury Textile Salves
Luxury Textile Salves
'Fine Fabric Care' is a Collaboration Between A.P.C. and Aesop
Pasta-Shaped Phone Protectors
Pasta-Shaped Phone Protectors
The 'Freedom of Creation' BlackBerry Cases
Golden Key Jewelry
Golden Key Jewelry
The Foxy Key Ring can Unlock Your Shopping Desires
Universal Fingerprint Keys
Universal Fingerprint Keys
The UNICA Key from Chiara Ripalti Makes Opening Life's Locks a Breeze
18 'Iron Man' Spin-Offs
18 'Iron Man' Spin-Offs
From Crustacean Action Heroes to 'Iron Man' Fitness Plans
Reptile Residences
Reptile Residences
The BuildingStudio Alligator House Post-Katrina Efforts
Future Cityscape Predictions
Future Cityscape Predictions
Architecture Firms Propose the Future of NYC
Potted Plant Buildings
Potted Plant Buildings
The Organic Building by Gaetano Pesce Features an Eclectic Vertical Garden
Crustacean Action Heroes
Crustacean Action Heroes
The Iron Man Lobster Suit is the Strangest Pop Culture Mashup Ever
play_circle_filled 'Iron Man' Fitness Plans
'Iron Man' Fitness Plans
Can You Hang With This 'Iron Man 2' Workout for Gwyneth Paltrow?
Superhero Laptop Skins
Superhero Laptop Skins
‘Iron Man' Decal by SkinAT is the Latest in Badass iPad Persona
Reflective Rainbow Buildings
Reflective Rainbow Buildings
L'Ecole Professionelle in Viege by Bonnard Woeffray Architectes
play_circle_filled Life-Sized Superhero Arcs
Life-Sized Superhero Arcs
Be Like Tony Stark With Your Very Own Iron Man Arc Reactor
Houseware Architecture
Houseware Architecture
The Spyfrost Project Puts Your Old Appliances to Use
Solar-Powered Spacecrafts
Solar-Powered Spacecrafts
The JAXA 'Ikaros' to Launch into Space in May 2010
12 Iron Man Must-Haves
12 Iron Man Must-Haves
From Superhero Sneakers to Real Life Iron Man Suits
Autobot Glass Art
Autobot Glass Art
Timothy Miller's Stained Glass 'Transformers' Isn't for Church
Printed 3D Jewelry
Printed 3D Jewelry
The Goncalo Campos Camion Collection Features Faceted Designs
Zip-Together Solar Skins
Zip-Together Solar Skins
Studio Formwork Solarskin System Converts Structures Without Renovation
Printed Satin Booties
Printed Satin Booties
The Christian Siriano Spring 2010 Shoes for Payless
Bedazzled Key Pendants
Bedazzled Key Pendants
The Sojourn Curiosities Jewelry Line will Unlock Your Heart
Fleshy 3D Printers
Fleshy 3D Printers
The Organova Bioprinting Endeavors to Reproduce Human Tissue
Printed 3D Ceramics
Printed 3D Ceramics
The Unfold 3D Bowl Introduces a Whole New Era of Pottery
Skeletal Stilettos
Skeletal Stilettos
The Melonia Shoe by Naim Josefi and Souzan Youssouf
Converse Key Kicks
Converse Key Kicks
The Golden CONS PRODUCT RED Pappalardo Pro Replica Key Chain
Waste-Reducing Solar Cells
Waste-Reducing Solar Cells
New Silicon Nanorod Solar Cells Are Flexible and Use Less Materials
Blown Glass Memorials
Blown Glass Memorials
Cremated Remains Artfully Preserved in 'Memory Glass'
Nostalgic Glasswork
Nostalgic Glasswork
Traditional Techniques Applied to Modern Art Glass Forms
Spray-On Glass
Spray-On Glass
Nanopool's Liquid Glass Protects Against Dirt and Bacteria
Prismatic Solar Panels
Prismatic Solar Panels
Pyramid-Shaped Glass Receptors That Are Eco-Friendly and Pretty
Botanical Artwork Revivals
Botanical Artwork Revivals
Ernst Haeckel Art Exhibit at the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archives
Old Manimations
Old Manimations
Jonatan Catalan Navarrete Creates Distinctive Mood With Lighting
Animating Stereo Photography
Animating Stereo Photography
Recreating Old Japan in 3-D Using Stereo Images & GIF Animation
DIY Ironman
DIY Ironman
Fan Takes Cosplay to a Whole New Level With This War Suit
Digitized Cuteness
Digitized Cuteness
Nicolas Lesaffre Designs Movie-Ready Animations
AIDS Awareness Keys
AIDS Awareness Keys
Key to a Cure Picks up the AIDS Ribbon Slack
Braille-Inspired Buildings
Braille-Inspired Buildings
The Chrome Hotel Facade is Punctuated With Many Holes
Germ-Thwarting Keys
Germ-Thwarting Keys
The 'Touch Stick' is the Weapon of Choice for H1N1
Recycled Glass Jewelry
Recycled Glass Jewelry
Bottle Bottoms and Glass Scraps Get Gorgeous
play_circle_filled Absorbent Pavement
Absorbent Pavement
FilterPave Assists with Rainwater Management and Runoff
play_circle_filled DIY Animation
DIY Animation
Xtranormal Movies Give Everyone the Power to Animate
play_circle_filled Animated Snail Tales
Animated Snail Tales
Dribble Circus Animation Short Shows What Little Boys are Made From
play_circle_filled DIY 3D Object Printing
DIY 3D Object Printing
Shapeways Prints Your Creation in Metal and Other Materials
Made in the Shade Solar Panels
Made in the Shade Solar Panels
GreenSun Solar Cells Generate Energy From Indirect Light
Masked Publicity Posters
Masked Publicity Posters
DJ Warboy Promotes with Eye-Catching Animations
Rusty Footwear
Rusty Footwear
Chain Shoes Win Shoemania 2009 Competition
play_circle_filled Storytelling Sand Animations
Storytelling Sand Animations
Kseniya Simonova's Sand Art Wins Ukraine's Got Talent
Busted Glass Buildings
Busted Glass Buildings
Bangkok's MahaNakhon Tower by OMA Appears to be Crumbling
Printing Auto Parts
Printing Auto Parts
Jay Leno Repairs His Fleet of Classic Cars With a 3D Printer
Glass Fashion
Glass Fashion
Mariana and Susanna Sent Create See-Through Styles
play_circle_filled Glowing Water Bottles
Glowing Water Bottles
The Sollight Lightcap is an Eco Lamp & Canteen
play_circle_filled Building From a 3D Printer
Building From a 3D Printer
Enrico Dini's Gaudi-Inspired Sand and Epoxy Structures
Precious Metal Pendants
Precious Metal Pendants
Tiffany's Diamond and Platinum ‘Fleur de Lis' Keys
Personalized Superhero Costumes
Personalized Superhero Costumes
Super You Helps Kids Officially Become Superhuman
Personalized 3D Printing
Personalized 3D Printing
Metaltec Printer Can Make Nearly Anything You Can Imagine
Handmade Glass Jewelry
Handmade Glass Jewelry
Linda Steider's Kiln-Formed Art Jewelry and Buttons
Puzzling Public Buildings
Puzzling Public Buildings
The Crossword Mural is Solved with Clues Hidden in the City
play_circle_filled Delicate Glass Jewelry
Delicate Glass Jewelry
‘Drop of Water' Necklaces by Karl Oskar
Geek Fashion Fusion
Geek Fashion Fusion
Shirts Feature Iconic Superhero Mashups
Modern Wizard of Oz Shoes
Modern Wizard of Oz Shoes
‘The Kansas Project' in Hong Kong
Freaky Shoes For Daring Soles
Freaky Shoes For Daring Soles
Tarantula Stilettos to Mole Slippers
Anime-Inspired Shoes
Anime-Inspired Shoes
Manga Footwear
Transformer Shoes
Transformer Shoes
'Goodie 2 Shoes'
A Plant With Solar Cells
A Plant With Solar Cells
The Latest Japanese Breakthrough
Curtains as Solar Energy Collectors
Curtains as Solar Energy Collectors
The Soft House Project
Mega Buckle Shoes
Mega Buckle Shoes
Vivienne Westwood
Solar Cells on Portable Devices
Solar Cells on Portable Devices
New Apple Patent Promises Green Gadgets
Gun Shoes
Gun Shoes
Chanel Vice Heels
play_circle_filled Mainstream 3D Printers
Mainstream 3D Printers
Desktop Factory's 3D Printer
Print Custom Artifical Bones
Print Custom Artifical Bones
3D Printer Recreates Skeletons
Collage Shoes
Collage Shoes
3D Object Printers
3D Object Printers
Print Your Own Jewelry