I think 3D printing is a boon to creativity. Many people want to make things, but don't have the facilities or skills to produce anything like what they have in mind. Now, with just a computer, which most people have anyway, they can produce sculpture, crafts items, or functional parts in a variety of materials. Of course, it's not necessary to actually own 3D printers to take advantage of them, since there are service bureaus and networks of printer owners ready to take ones 3D model files and bring them into physical reality for a small fee.

While most 3D printers aimed at the consumer can only print small items rather roughly in plastic, there are a range of other machines that can handle other materials which the service bureaus give access to, so it's a lot easier to make things in a variety of materials, configurations and colors than it ever was before. That's great for anyone's creativity.

Andrew Werby
Juxtamorph.com