This technology is still quite far away, maybe a few years before resolving the broken touch screen problem. The Melbourne team can revolutionize replaceable parts before solving the broken screen problem once and for all. That is also the reason why they study its application, far more than merely saving money for users.
We do this to create materials that can camouflage and adapt. We aim to create 3D printing ink that can be used by soldiers to change color and camouflage in the surrounding environment. Another idea is to create material that can be used by people on the submarine to create alternative supplies when needed, without having to store a lot on the ship. App capability is endless.