I just don't get the hype over 3D printers

Maybe it's because you can print a lot of things on these ones, even very dangerous, like guns. This means that people will be soon able to access lots of new items that were so far banned or unachievable, simply by downloading a file from the Internet.

As usual, it's got its good and bad sides, but it will surely improve production and efficiency of many processes in our life, so I look forward to seeing it grow!

I'll confess to not understanding much about 3D printing. I've seen demo's of paper models created, but how can you create a gun or object that is more substantial? Or are people referring to industrial type 3d printers that use sheets of metal, as opposed to something that will be available for home use?

Wow!! Ok thats impressive

Very clever to use a weapon as a way to prove the technology. Addresses and answers technical issues such as can it make complicated devices and stand up to pressure and stress. Whilst ensuring superb exposure by taking on an emotive and controversial subject  Great marketing!

They were demonstrating a 3d printer at a high school walk around i was doing with my youngest last year - seem to recall them "printing" a teapot - wonder how long it will be until some bright spark reprogrammes it to do something else