Early 3D printers were highly complex and very expensive, targeting only the largest manufacturers that could afford their several hundred thousand dollar price tags. Not anymore.
The first platforms primarily served as rapid prototyping machines, used judiciously to build late-stage mock-ups of parts and, in some cases, manufacture full product designs. While a breakthrough in terms of reducing the complexity of building physical prototypes, 3D printing had limited impact given its still narrow customer base.
Then a series of advances pushed 3D printing into the mainstream. Improvements around materials, support for color, faster build speeds, and higher accuracy ensure that 3D printing can now be applied to a greater variety of applications and diverse product groups. Sticker shock has abated, with mid-level 3D printers under $30,000 and entry-level pro options less than $15,000.
A recent wave of home printers and service bureaus are opening up the technology to "makers" and consumers who want to flex their creative muscles, prototyping everything from food and fashion to artificial limbs.
Click the image below to see our slideshow of how 3D printing is evolving:
The N12 Bikini shows what's possible with the intersection of high fashion and 3D printing: a ready-to-wear bathing suit printed from Nylon 12 material.
@Gina: You're not late to the game, Gina, but a lot has happened even since this slideshow was posted. Makerbot just released the second version of its more commercialized product, the Replicator 2, there's the Stratasys MoJo for small office environments, and lots of entrepreneurial types bringing all kinds of innovative, open source personal 3D printers to market. Definitely a good time to consider jumping in.
I'm late coming to the party but the Thing-o-Matic isn't as big as it looks on the slide show. In fact, it is a nice size. I really like the 3D printers hoping to get one by the end of this year.
Those of you fascinated by this technology (as I am) should consider attending the annual RAPID conference, usually in Chicago, but Atlanta next year, May 22-24. You'll be *blown away* by the advances you never thought possible. Pure Star Trek.
1) In response to Jack's comment, I can only quote a psychiatrist friend who often testified to a person's sanity in court "What's normal?"
2) Does any one at DN ever look at the page layout?
Click next, drag page up so you can see the picture & text, Click next, drag page up so you can see the picture & text, ...
Can the pages be laid out so that you don't have to continualy move the page to see it on a 19" screen, how about a 15" laptop wide aspect screen? That should be easy and normal for a high profile org like DN.
Good overview of how the big commercial companies (Zcorp, Stratasys, etc.) have opened their eyes to the lower end, price sensitive portion of the market. Companies like MakerBot Industries, Bits from Bytes, Fab At Home, etc. have been moving up a bit from the hobbyist realm. The two commercial paths will eventually meet; it will surely be interesting.
Although its not extremely new technology and has been around for quite some time it is very new to the mass market. Our company www.make-parts.com has have been around for about 5 years now and we are excited to see what the future holds. We see a time where a 3d printer could be as common in a house hold as your everyday inkjet printer. Only time will tell!
3D printing is a great product and will make rapid prototyping a snap.. Waiting for prices to get down so my firm can get one and use for product development.
3D printing is a great product and will make rapid prototyping a snap.. Waiting for prices to get down so my firm can get one and use for product development.
Laura Sapiens' Ego! Smartmouse offers users a unique interactive experience by providing 2D and 3D connectivity, hardware identity authentication, data storage, and more.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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