Sceptics and enthusiasts alike have discussed, agreed on, contested and disputed the various issues surrounding the potential of 3D printing - and it seems the lighting industry could be no less immune to the possibilities created by this emerging technology.
With London-based architectural firm Foster and Partners designing houses created by 3D printing out of regolith - or moondust - to go on the surface of the moon and Nokia enabling customers to design and 3D print their very own phone cases, clearly the adaptable technology can be applied across a range of industries.
Lighting Magazine reported how Bob Bohannon, general manager of Still Lighting UK, is currently investing in the potential of 3D printing to revolutionise the conception, design, creation and production of lighting products.
He believes that the strength of the technology lies in the fact that it can achieve things which the work of a human hand - or existing machines - cannot. For example, 3D printers can build up extremely complicated and convoluted designs with very specific materials that simply would not be possible using present manufacturing procedures.
While he would not divulge exactly how the company was investing in the technology, Mr Bohannon insinuated that the process was set to revolutionise their business in some way, shape or form.
The possibilities for fixed indoor and outdoor lighting production lie "somewhere in the future", reported the magazine, but it has long provided production solutions for lampshades due to their relatively simple nature.
Shades lend themselves perfectly to 3D printing as a more intricate and multi-layered design can create interesting lighting effects from what is just a humble lamp.
Materialise in Belgium has been selling 3D-printed light shades for around a decade now, with a more recent venture - i.materialise - giving customers the chance to design and personalise their very own product.
Concerns have been voiced about the sheer quantity that can be produced as a result of 3D printing in terms of the detrimental effect on landfill, as well as fears that companies may compromise on quality.
However, Mr Bohannon does not believe that the technology will completely take over. "There is no way it can replace large-scale mass production," he said, commenting that it will remain a complement to traditional ways of making lighting products.
