3D printing in the last few years has achieved so many different things. Objects and parts that could not have been made before can now be easily made.
The problems with 3D printing are mostly the cost of making that part. For one-off or very unique parts, 3D printing is great but cannot compete with plastic injected molding for larger quantities. 3D printing allows functioning prototypes to be held and used to see where the problems are before production runs.
Local Manufacturing
This technology has allowed the maker to produce parts locally and cheaply. Networks of people have sheared their design on platforms like thingiverse.com. This allows more people to print the parts without designing. Users on these platforms have design parts and fixes that no longer available to get.
My goals
My goal over the next few years is to make my 3D printed parts better for manufacturing. Making more machines, making more jigs and making more parts using 3D printing to increase production and decrease time/costs.