Yes. Yes it has been. It doesn’t mean that it’s not worth exploring though, the community all by itself is composed of so many hackers, makers, and higher-order thinkers that it well makes up for any shortcoming current machines face.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22093072
No. No it hasn’t. 3D printing is life changing for me. Just 3 months ago, I knew all about 3d printing, but didn’t know where to find one I could use. I have always been a maker, even as a kid. I always made due with the tools at my disposal. Sometimes I could make what was in my head, most times I made something close or hacked until I got something that worked. Recently I took on a new project, where this would not be possible. It was comprised of all custom parts. Lots of gears, arms, wheels, etc. None of which existed. I figured out where the nearest 3d printer I had access too was located, and learned how to use it. Since then, I have made dozens of parts used in my projects. The average cost of my projects went from several hundred dollars to ~$50-$60. I can now make exactly what is in my head and have it in minutes to hours. Almost immediately after realizing I could take an idea in my head and have a tangible object for nearly no expense… I realized my life had changed, and that I had to own a 3d printer of my own.
Its not over-hyped. If anything, people have not realized its potential.