Previously, explaining the concept of 3D printing to those at dinner parties who are perhaps two steps behind with technology may have involved awkwardly moving your hands around the air to mimic a print head squirting out fresh ABS juice. Perhaps you can save those skillz for another time and just pass along this perfect video released yesterday from PBS on the current state of 3D printing that covers everything from how it works, how it can disrupt business as we know it, and what it means for you the consumer.

PBS Off Book: 3D Printing

While 3D printing may have already wowed the tech and design communities, it’s important to consider that there is still a huge population out there that struggle to comprehend material science in context to 3D printing, what 3D printing can actually be used for, and heck…how it even works. With cheaper and more efficient consumer models flying off the shelves of the MakerBot warehouse and print service sites like Shapeways finding themselves more in demand, it’s only a matter of time before we’re left with a generation of consumers that understand the technology, or a generation that doesn’t know where to begin. If the majority of consumers can at least understand the basics of the benefits of at-home repairs, bio-printing developments, and innovation in general, it will benefit us all through creating more resources for better products, faster technological developments, and stronger communities.

For more info on PBS’ exceptional miniseries head to their Off Book site.