Why 3-D Printing Won't Catch On as a Mass-Consumer Trend

Though 3-D printing has been a hot tech topic at recent CES conventions—and still is, in some ways—Jane Lacher, evp and group strategy director for ZenithOptimedia, doesn't believe it will achieve mass adoption.

At this year's convention in Las Vegas, Lacher said the nascent technology already has terrific applications in the medical world, including prosthetics. But she'll never use it to print a Barbie for her daughter. "I do believe the technology is very interesting, but how many tchotchkes do you want to make at home?" she said.