A Sam Houston State professor says the possibilities when it comes to 3D printing are growing each day. The technology’s future now includes food and even medications.

Dr. Pamela Zelbst, a professor and director of Sam Houston State’s Center for Innovation and Technology, says the wonders of 3D printing are at an all-time high.

“What is really cool about the technology is that if you have something that you can get in a powder form or liquid form, then you can print in it,” said Zelbst.

Now, that also includes food and medication.

“They are designing it specifically for the patient,” said Zelbst, "so rather than having something that is pretty generic for patients to take, you can actually have the medication printed to fit your needs.”

Zelbst says the technology is still in its infancy, but one of the concerns is how it will be regulated in the future.

“It’s like any other technology in that our laws really lag behind,” said Zelbst, "so it’s going to be a while before they catch up, and as a result of that, were going to see some things that we don’t really want to see.”

Despite fears of illegal uses, Dr. Zelbst says the impact of 3D printing has the potential to positively reach just about all industries. Right now, the cost of the technology would be a big factor.

“We all know when something is new, it costs a lot more than it does later on,” said Zelbst. “As it becomes more mainstream, I would anticipate the cost would go down.”

There are some negatives. Zelbst points out that 3D printing makes it easy to reproduce someone else’s products, and that hinges on violating intellectual property laws. At Sam Houston State, she says students are taught to use a code of ethics.