The New York Times has a great article on 3-D scanners today - desktop boxes that can copy, e-mail, print or fax 3-D objects.

This builds on the current regarding home fabrication in the home.  Sears was publicised a few months back for introducing a home fabricator.  Combined with a 3-D imager, hobbyists will soon be able to upload an original object, tinker with its specs, and produce a copy/revised version at their desks.

Per the NYT article: “The world is just beginning to grapple with the implications of this relatively low-cost duplicating method, often called rapid prototyping.  Hearing aid companies, for instance, are producing some custom-fitted ear pieces from molds of patients.  Custom car companies produce new parts for classic cars or modified parts for hot rods.  Consumer produce makers create fully functional designs before committing themselves to big producution runs.”

The ramifications of these technologies are huge.  People often think of emerging technologies as simply allowing people to stay connected with others.  But, in this instance, the effects are much more personal.  Customization will be open to the masses, and with it the mass produced, mass advertised product of the industrial era will receive a long-overdue expiration date.

However, companies and their marketing departments can still tap into this technology.  Just off the cuff I can think of several examples how this technology could be used by brands as utility for their customers.  For instance, Ray-Ban could provide me with a service whereby my face is scanned and a pair of aviators are custom fabricated for me.  “My Ray-Bans” are born.  And, of course, if Ray-Ban insists on ignoring this technology, I can always look elsewhere…so goes the rejection of technology so goes the rejection of brands in a world where the tangible is comoditized.

One more thought from me: Online piracy is about to move beyond media.  When anyone can make anything, the complaints coming from the music industry seem trivial.