Britain's Duke of York has given the royal seal of approval to 3-D printing.
The 54-year-old royal - who is Queen Elizabeth's third child - visited the Renishaw-supported additive-manufacturing research facilities at the University of Liverpool and stated that he was impressed with their work.
However, Prince Andrew voiced his concern about the slow uptake of 3-D printing by the industry and questioned whether it was due to a lack of training and technology transfer.
During the visit he was shown two additive-manufacturing machines (3-D printers) recently supplied by Renishaw to the university's School of Engineering and discussed the applications for the technology with its general manager of additive-manufacturing products division Simon Scott and its R&D director Chris Sutcliffe.
Mr. Scott expressed his surprise at the royal's knowledge of the technology, saying: "He asked many thoughtful questions regarding the technology, particularly concerning its use in applications with tighter regulatory environments - such as the aerospace and medical industries."
The Duke also met with a number of PhD students, including Ian Ashton, a Renishaw-sponsored research student who is investigating the process control of additive-manufacturing machines.
Mr. Ashton said of the visit: "It was great to see such high levels of knowledge and interest in UK science and technology expressed by a member of the Royal Family."

Kieron Richardson has got engaged.
The 'Hollyoaks' star - who is known for playing Ste Hay in the Channel 4 soap - is planning to get hitched to his long-term boyfriend Carl Hyland early next year.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Kieron said: "I just got engaged. It's really exciting. We've been together for over seven years so it's not a shock."
The 28-year-old hunk is keen to have a low-key ceremony when the warmer weather starts to hit the UK, but he insists his big day will be filled with "surprises".
He explained: "Depending on storylines, we're hoping to squeeze it [the wedding] in next year.
"I don't want it to be a cold wedding, but then I don't want to be too hot, so it'll be spring ... I want there to be a few surprises on the day. Not even my mum knows some of the things I have in mind."
Kieron came out in 2010 when he revealed on national television that, like his alter-ego Ste, he too is gay.
He said at the time: "I am gay in real life and at 20 years old I kind of accepted it myself and now I can finally relate to my character Ste that he is 20 and he's going through things that I went through in my past."

The 'X Factor' auditions have been thrown into chaos after the judges demanded a last-minute holiday.
The show's bosses were forced to cancel several dates and venues after the panel - Simon Cowell, Mel B, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh - insisted on having a break in the middle of filming, which has left producers no choice but to cram the final rounds into one day.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "It is possible that singers could audition and then have to sing in the arena days later. It could be an intense experience."
Meanwhile, Louis, 61, admitted earlier this month that the auditions had got off to a good start in Manchester and he was impressed by the level of talent this year.
He said: "The first session went well, it was great. It's fun and I think both of the girls will get on well.
"It's all going great. We're going to get the fun back in the show ... Simon is on top form and the talent is all good, with all new faces."
However, it was recently revealed that Cheryl had insisted on being seated away from Louis - who used to manage her group Girls Aloud - on the panel.
A source said: "A lot of thought has gone into the seating after Cheryl said she wouldn't sit next to Louis. The pair have a lot of beef from the days of Girls Aloud.
"It means Mel has to sit between them -- giving Cheryl the key spot next to Simon."

Kelly Brook's fiancé is "interested" in signing up to the next series of 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
David McIntosh has reportedly been offered a six-figure deal to appear on the Channel 5 reality show and he hopes the programme will help boost his profile.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Both parties are very interested. David is desperate to be famous in his own right. He doesn't want to be hanging off of Kelly's coattails, especially once they tie the knot."
The former 'Gladiators' star - who was known as Tornado on the show - is even considering postponing his wedding to Kelly, 34, who he proposed to in April, so their big day doesn't clash with the programme.
The source explained: "David and Kelly were planning to get hitched in September. But if he signs on for 'CBB', these plans will have to be put on hold."
Meanwhile, former 'The Only Way is Essex' star Lauren Goodger, 27, is also rumoured to be joining the show as bosses are hoping she'll dish the dirt on her former fiancé Mark Wright, 27, who is now engaged to 'Coronation Street' beauty Michelle Keegan, 27.
An insider said previously: "They [Mark and Lauren] dated from 15 until their mid-twenties and Lauren has already spoken out about very personal things like the abortion she had when carrying Mark's baby. They're expecting bombshells."

Jodie Kidd is shocked she has made it to the 'Celebrity MasterChef' final.
The model, 35, thinks she was seen as an outsider at the start of the competition, but believes she has overcome the odds to leave her on the cusp of winning.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, she said: "I was a bit of the underdog, so I'm really proud to show that through grit and determination, you can do it.
"I put my head down and I tried and tried - and made it to the final. Unbelievable."
Jodie's fellow finalist 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' actress Sophie Thompson insists her secret to success on the BBC One show is to simply enjoy the experience.
Asked what she'd learnt throughout the series, she replied: "Just the joy of cooking. It's such a lovely thing to get on and do."
Meanwhile, Jodie and Sophie will battle it out against adventurer Charley Boorman in tonight's (18.07.14) final and he admits, despite a botched effort to make a batch of macaroons, he has thoroughly enjoyed taking part.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Macaroons aside, I have had a brilliant experience.
"I didn't realise how much of an adrenaline rush I'd get from the challenges. It has been great fun."
The final of 'Celebrity MasterChef' will air tonight on BBC One at 8.30pm.

Louis Tomlinson's bid to buy Doncaster Rovers soccer club has fallen through.
The One Direction star was hoping to raise funds to purchase his hometown team but after his Crowdfunder campaign - which charged fans £250 for a selfie with the singer - fell short of its £2 million target, his bid has been axed and he claimed he "was misled".
He wrote on Twitter: "I'm absolutely gutted the Doncaster Rovers deal is not going ahead. I am desperate for the club to be given the recognition it deserves 🙁
"I was explicitly told that the deal to buy the club was not dependent on the money raised by crowd-funding. Unfortunately I was misled."
Louis - who played for Doncaster's reserve team as a 65th minute substitute in February - insisted he still wants to "be involved" and promised supporters he will do all he can to help.
He continued: "My passion for Doncaster Rovers remains as strong as ever, and I hope that I can still be involved with the club moving forward!
"And to all the Doncaster Rovers fans, I will do all in my power to help the club succeed. I really do love the club! #roverstillidie
"For the record,I insisted contractually I would never earn a penny from DRFC. I simply wanted to help club& community.Still hoping I can (sic)"

Lindsay Lohan has won an award for the biggest comeback.
The 'Liz & Dick' actress collected the prize at the Ischia Global Film & Music Festival in Italy earlier this week and she was on hand to accept the trophy.
However, the 28-year-old star - whose most recent major acting role was 'The Canyons' in 2013 - suffered an embarrassing moment when she stumbled at the annual gala.
The award is a step in the right direction for Lindsay, who is preparing to make her West End theatre debut in 'Speed-the-Plow' and wants to bring her focus back to her acting career.
The 'Mean Girls' actress recently claimed she wanted her "talents" to be recognised again, instead of being known for her controversial and well-documented personal issues.
She said: "I want to be known for my talents and my work that I create, rather than a tabloid sensation.
"However long it does take, I'm willing to do it. I'm willing to work for it."
Lindsay has insisted her wild days are behind her now, despite friends reportedly worrying about her move to London after she "cut ties" with her "sobriety circle".
An insider previously claimed: "Everyone thinks Lindsay moved to London because she knows that she can get away with things there that she cannot get away with here.
"She's cut ties with everyone back in the States ... You can only give someone so many chances. She's not answering phone calls from her sober friends. It's frustrating."

Alec Baldwin has paid tribute to late co-star Elaine Stritch.
The 56-year-old actor has hailed the Broadway legend - who played his mother on hit sitcom '30 Rock' - as "one in a million" in an emotional homage following her death at her home in Michigan at the age of 89 yesterday (17.07.14).
In a series of tweets, Alec wrote: "A woman that I loved and admired, and a true one in a million, has gone to her rest.
"I'm sure that even God is a bit nervous right now. I love you, Elaine."
He later shared a photo of himself and Elaine accompanied by the caption: "Thanks to all who took time to remember the one and only Elaine Stritch..."
Alec was not the only celebrity to pay tribute to the great actress.
'Girls' star Lena Dunham also posted a suitably funny message dedicated to Elaine on Twitter, writing: "Here's to the lady who lunched: Elaine Stritch, we love you. May your heaven be a booze-soaked, no-pants solo show at the Carlyle. Thank you."
Lena went on to post a photo of Elaine laughing as she enjoyed an ice cream to her Instagram account.
Mia Farrow also used social media to reflect on Elaine's passing as she tweeted: "I suspect Elaine Stritch won't know how to rest-in-peace! Iconic entertainer, force of nature, my wonderful movie-mom."

Eddie Cibrian says there's more chance of a zombie apocalypse than a reunion between him and Brandi Glanville.
The 41-year-old actor and his singer spouse LeAnn Rimes opened up about their ongoing feud with his ex-wife - whom he infamously cheated on and then left for LeAnn - on the first episode of their new VH1 reality show 'LeAnn & Eddie', in which Eddie made the apocalyptic dig.
He said: "The likelihood of Brandi and I getting back together, I would say, would be slightly above the existence of Bigfoot and just below an actual zombie apocalypse."
LeAnn, 31, meanwhile, labelled the 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star a "third party" in their marriage and claimed Brandi won't let the highly-publicised feud die.
Dispelling tabloid rumours of marital issues, she said: "Well, it's unfortunate that we have a third party in this situation that's just a mouthpiece. It doesn't matter if we say anything because she'll keep blabbing about it."
The couple also joked about the public's perception of them, with Eddie - who has two sons, Mason, 10, and seven-year-old Jake, with Brandi - admitting they are aware people "think [LeAnn] is a homewrecker and a stalker".
LeAnn quipped: "You're forgetting alcoholic, pill popper and children stealer!"
The 'Can't Fight the Moonlight' singer then turned the tables on Eddie, humorously addressing rumours about him.
She added: "And you're also a moocher, you have no job, and you married me for my money."

Cameron Diaz thinks she's got a good "ratio" between her butt and butt crack.
The 41-year-old starlet admits she's not shy about showing off her booty on the big screen and was pleasantly surprised by her proportionate bottom when she watched her raunchy new movie 'Sex Tape'.
Appearing on 'Chelsea Lately' last night (17.07.14), Cameron said: "I don't consider it nudity - it's just my butt. You've seen my butt, I wear really small bikinis and small pants, so at some point, if you've seen pictures of me, you have either seen the top of my butt or the bottom of my butt.
"Now you get to see it together, so you get to see the middle of my butt - the middle crack ... you get to see how it connects.
"You get to see the actual butt crack-to-butt ratio. I've never actually seen it from that perspective because I'm in front of it so I got to see it for the first time and I was like, 'Oh, not a bad ratio!' "
The blonde beauty stars opposite 'How I Met Your Mother' star Jason Segel in the new comedy about a couple looking to spice up their love life by making a homemade blue movie and Cameron says the steamy scenes weren't meant to be sexy.
She explained: "It wasn't a vanity project ... most of the stuff we are doing is really embarrassing and unattractive, that's why [our characters] wanted it to be a tape that we didn't want people to see.
"It's not like it's really hot camera angles and these two people are like, 'Go ahead, take a look.'
"It's like, 'Please, nobody ever see what we just did together.' "

Sienna Miller will play a sous chef in 'Adam Jones'. The 32-year-old actress is to take on the role of an assistant chef in the upcoming film, alongside Bradley Cooper, the Daily Mail newspaper reports. Cooper will play the title character, a genius...

J.J. Abrams has added Christina Chong to the cast of 'Star Wars: Episode VII'. The actress - who recently starred in '24: Live Another Day' - has signed up to join the cast of the highly anticipated next instalment of the sci-fi franchise, Latino Revi...