The 3D print revolution is quickly gaining traction, spurred on by creative technologists, DIYers and hardware hackers. It’s now cheaper and easier than ever to rapidly prototype a three-dimensional object from a computer. It’s even changing retail: the first 3D print store, created by Makerbot, has just opened in New York.

So 3D printing is finally here. But looking further forward – once the technology is adopted by mass consumers – the consequences of 3D printing are set to be even more profound.

When all of us have a 3D printer in our study, with the ability to print just about any physical item, we may no longer need to purchase goods from shops. Instead, we could simply buy a blueprint, from which we will fabricate our own version of the product on our desktop – while customising it to our specific needs.

The technology could even reverse our throw-away culture. Broken a part of something? No problem: just get hold of its blueprint online, isolate the broken part, and then print out a fresh one. And what else might we make in the future using this technology? Natural materials? Even living cell tissue? The possibilities are as wide as they are mind-boggling.

On Tuesday 23rd October, Protein is excited to host a forum event at our 18 Hewett Street gallery to find out exactly how we’ll use this technology to make things in the future. We’re inviting a panel of three experts – from product designers to material innovation experts – to discuss, debate and challenge the impact of 3D printing on our everyday consumer lives.

Tickets are just a fiver of free to Protein OS Members. Click on our Eventbrite page to book now.