Will 3D Printing Fuel Art and Jewelry Forgery?

While debate rages over using 3D printers to make guns or gun parts, technologies for other possible abuses are emerging — including the ability to cheaply copy and reproduce works of art and jewelry.

A few days ago at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, 3D-printer company MakerBot introduced the other end of the equation — a device called the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner that can create a computer model of any small object.

Makerbot founder and CEO Bre Pettis didn't name a price for the new gadget, which goes on sale this fall. But given the company's focus on home enthusiasts, it will likely be comparatively low-cost. (The latest 3D printer, the MakerBot Replicator 2, sells for $2,199.)