I'm fairly sure this refers to the use of 3D printing to refine the design, and even prototypes to temporarily give to people who donated $50 before the final p

I'm fairly sure this refers to the use of 3D printing to refine the design, and even prototypes to temporarily give to people who donated $50 before the final production has run. It's not so clearly defined in the article, but I believe that the two points it tries to make are that without 1- 3D printing, (production with "atoms") and 2- social fundraising such business are unlikely be as easy to start. They would require access to substantially more funds and manufacturing equipment. Edit: They try to tie the social fundraising in to the "atoms" theme by referencing electrons, but it falls a bit flat.