3D Printing augmentation

With 3D printing starting to become mainstream, an interesting development is a technique that enables the augmentation and repair of existing items.  The software of the Encore 3D printing system developed by Xiang Chen at Carnegie Mellon firstly scans the object that you want to modify and analyses the surface geometry to ascertain where additions can be printed.  The additional piece is then printed around the existing object.

This augmentation approach could significantly improve on sustainability through saving on materials and energy costs and reducing waste. Extending the value of items that we already own, even by a moderate percentage could accumulate benefits for future generations.