The rapid proliferation of 3-D printing technology that began in the early 2000s sent ripples of excitement through the tech world and beyond; some pundits predicted 3-D printing would transform everything about modern life. Until a few years ago, however, the high price of printers put them out of reach for most academic researchers and hobbyists.

Earth Magazine describes how, more affordable printers like the MakerBot — which costs about $2,000, have broken this barrier, and geoscientists have started testing the waters.

Read the full article at: http://www.earthmagazine.org