Comment Re:Craftsmanship (Score 1) 264
That is exactly one of the benefits of '3D printing'. Can you actually go to the car manufacturer and say "give me 6 more inches in the trunk"? Nope, didn't think so - and you never will. But if you had the plans to print one it would be a relatively simple operation to do. (Engineering limitations notwithstanding)
Please keep in mind the posts above about 'rapid prototyping != downloading' - complex mechanical items are just not viable, now or probably in the near future. Though not so very many of our modern household goods are super complex in that way.
It's a nice idea that has to find its niche. You are not going to be able to print out your own jet, nor your own crystal glassware, and most people would be wasting their time printing their own (say) desk. Personalised glasses frames, earphones / hearing aids, seat bases, telephone cases, handles, knobs, shoes, sporting goods, parts for broken gadgets - hell yes.
Please keep in mind the posts above about 'rapid prototyping != downloading' - complex mechanical items are just not viable, now or probably in the near future. Though not so very many of our modern household goods are super complex in that way.
It's a nice idea that has to find its niche. You are not going to be able to print out your own jet, nor your own crystal glassware, and most people would be wasting their time printing their own (say) desk. Personalised glasses frames, earphones / hearing aids, seat bases, telephone cases, handles, knobs, shoes, sporting goods, parts for broken gadgets - hell yes.
