Just recently saw a news posting about a company making a 3D printer in a kit form for about $1,500 and in a built version for about $2,500 (the maker's name escapes me at this moment). Hobbyists and entrepenourial types are already using these printers to build/make custom items and selling them at craft fairs, sites such as etsy.com and the like. It truly looks like 3D printing is becoming an 'everyman' deal. Just like watching the PC revolution take off in the 70s!
Neal Stephenson's "The Diamond Age" describes where 3D printing could end up. Nano-technology, laying down a molecule at a time. Each residence has a matter compiler of some sort hooked up to the "Feed" which delivers the basic molecues, and there are public M-C vending machines.
I realize that, TJ, and I've been blogging a lot about this topic lately myself. It just seems like there's a lot of activity and much of it really cool stuff. I found myself expounding on 3D printing technology to my kids the other day (and not even getting an eye roll), telling them about some of the things I'd been writing about. That's when I know I had truly been sucked in!
Beth, my first paragraph was a bit tongue-in-cheek. I hadn't planned on doing one at all until I encountered Metrix Create:Space. The chance for truly rapid prototyping without the large overhead cost inspired the blog.
Metrix Create:Space's business model sounds pretty interesting. Perhaps a string of 3D printing shop franchises??
It's funny how you said you wanted to get in on the 3D action and write a blog post. I think there's a lot of folks recognizing the possibilities with 3D printing and as they too, want to get in on the action, we're going to see a lot more out-of-the-box thinking on 3D printers, 3D printing services, 3D printing business models, and 3D printing who knows what in the near future.
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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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