It is primarily used for quick prototype. You can make a part quickly (30-60 min for a 5 cmx5 cm part) as long as you can draw it out using a 3D CAD software.

It is using a curable polymer ink to lay down the part layer by layer and cured (just like epoxy glue)after each layer is printed. Technology has already been developed to lay down metal particles layer by layer.

1. The mechanical property will never be as good as machined/molded parts.
2. The production speed and cost will never be suitable for mass production.
3. A $0.1 molded plastics part will cost >$10 even using a very low performing printable polymer material using 3D printing.

The future of 3D printing is dependent on the development of printable materials.