Changing Technologies, Inc. will unveil a new 3D printing process that will hide unsightly build lines on finished models - resulting in end products that look more like traditionally manufactured molded parts and that slice costly post-processing expenses. So-called build lines are surface grooves that result from the layer-by-layer build process typically used by additive manufacturing technologies. CHGT's new system is the first to soften the appearance of layering with a more subtle-appearing texture.

Rough build lines have been cited as one of 3D printing's current technological disadvantages keeping it from being utilized beyond prototyping. However, disguising them could make mass 3D production more desirable. Industry surveys currently predict 3D printing will be a $20 billion enterprise by 2020 and two-thirds of the Top 100 manufacturing companies are now employing 3D printing in their industrial process.

That could grow much more with a process disguising build lines.