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You are kind of conflicting yourself in your argument against modularization, by noting that different manufacturers already share major sub-assembly. The elect
by vlehto 11y ago
You are kind of conflicting yourself in your argument against modularization, by noting that different manufacturers already share major sub-assembly. The electric systems have been going towards bus-like approach with microcontrollers. Which should again provide easy enough sub-assembly to be installed afterwards. This is demonstrated by the fact that they are sometimes outsourced.
But about 3D printing I agree. You can print paneling to your taste, but that's about it.
But then again all custom production is getting more and more accessible to end customer. You can order custom water jet cut sheet metal at your door these days.
Maybe something like this could happen: Order chassis and engine from BMW. Print side panels with CAD files you ordered from some Korean designer. Order hood from Jaguar and interior from Versace. Final assembly is done by "chop shop" who prints and orders all the necessary parts to connect the stuff you ordered.
- sjwright 11y agoAnd you end up with a vehicle with extremely dubious crash safety, no warranty worth speaking of, insurance companies won't touch it, and the resale value will be abysmal. Have at it!
- vlehto 11y agoMy bike has parts from several different companies. It has separate warranty for every part, insurance company doesn't mind anything and resale value doesn't differ from package deal. What's so different? In the example all assemblies affecting crash safety would come from respectable auto manufacturers, so I don't see the problem.
- sjwright 11y agoCrash safety in a modern car intimately involves all parts of the vehicle's infrastructure. I doubt it would be possible to componentize without severe compromise. Major car manufacturers sometimes can't even get it right on their own products. E.g.: http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/hyundai-tucson-slammed-over-four-star-safety-rating-36654 http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/hyundai-tucson-slammed-... As for the insurance question, that's just absurd. Your bicycle insurance isn't anything remotely similar to car insurance.