3D Printer And A Latte, Please

In Europe,

are popping up in major cities across the bloc as the technology gains traction among average consumers. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid are home to the cafes, which boast 3D printers that customers can use to design whatever they like.

The rise of 3D printers for home use has made the cafes a success, as it gives customer the opportunity to use the technology without paying upwards of $1,000 to buy their own. After submitting their designs, customers can order food and beverages while they wait for their item to print. Everything from cellphone holders to action figures can be made in the cafe.

Companies like

and

have developed desktop 3D printers for use in people's homes. Many saw the printers expanding in popularity and eventually becoming a household staple, but critics say there is a long way to go before the technology becomes usable for the average consumer. At the moment, complicated designs must be fed into the printer in order to make an object and the skills needed to create such drawings requires time and effort as it isn't easily picked up.

However, 3D printing cafes have filled the gap between average consumers and complicated technology by giving people a cost-effective way to learn how to use the printers. Many of the cafes offer instruction for beginners or tools to help them understand the process.