For various reasons, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are not always the best source for replacement parts. A growing number of people and companies are looking to 3D printing as a way to replicate parts that they otherwise would struggle to procure. This is especially true in the automotive, construction, and hardware technology industries.

While there are some clear near-term drawbacks to 3D printing structures, much can and will be improved or eliminated through continued innovation. The speed at which buildings can be erected using far less manual labor clears two major drawbacks of conventional construction. Beyond 3D printing concrete structures, there are still plenty of other existing applications for the technology within the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.