With the world of 3D printing developing at an ever-rapid pace, many people are speculating on the various ways that 3D printing will change the world. After all, with the ability to 3D print everything from jewelry to living cells, the opportunities for 3D printing to continue to grow and affect the world are exciting and largely unknown.

This, of course, has left many people wondering: just what does the future of 3D printing hold?

Last week’s Consumer Electronics Show didn’t fail to impress. With an impressive 28 different 3D printing exhibits showcasing everything from 3D printed sugary sweets to 3D printed shoes and instruments.

While 3D printers aren’t exactly new, they are rapidly growing in popularity. 3D printers have been developed to the stage where they are just now starting to become increasingly practical, and more accessible to consumers. This is opening the doors for rapid advancement throughout a wide range of different sectors of commerce, biotechnology, and even the world of medicine.

3D printing has developed at an almost alarming rate as it proves that what was once the work of science fiction is now starting to become reality right before our eyes. With advancements in 3D printing now starting to lead to the development of 3D printed prosthetic arms, live cells, and even blood vessels, many are holding out hope that 3D printing will continue to have a positive impact on the future.

3D printing is beginning to affect almost every sector, including restaurants and food-related industries. With 3D printing of chocolate, sugary candies, and other food related items – restaurants are beginning to look into 3D printing more seriously, and some are even welcoming 3D printing into their kitchens.

According to analyst, Crawford Del Prete, 3D printing “has the power to disrupt industries, in the same way that newspapers and publishing was disrupted by the internet.”

While there is still progress to be made, many look forward to the explosion of changes 3D printing might bring. Having just recently grabbed the world’s attention, it will be fascinating to watch this technology develop.

We won’t have to wait long to find out – with 3D printers already finding their way to shopping centers, and being sold to consumers at reasonable prices, the world waits in anticipation as 2014 appears to be shaping up to become the year of 3D printing.