Interestingly enough, Peter Hamilton, in "Great North Road", envisions and interesting future in which they had an expedition, which for the most part relied on

Interestingly enough, Peter Hamilton, in "Great North Road", envisions and interesting future in which they had an expedition, which for the most part relied on their 3D Printers and base printing material. Tents, Vehicle Repairs, components - they just kept churning them out. So, while I agree that 3D Printing of guns is likely, for the near future to be a "First world problem" - I don't think I would make that prediction 30 years out, and certainly would never be so bold to say "Forever". I can certainly see a future in which Refugee Camps don't have Water, Food, or Sanitation, but do have a broad array of 3D Printers and base printing material.