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But the model for it to be accessible to the general public is readily available, it's just not evenly distributed. I can go to several local fed-ex offices he
by ygjb 5y ago
But the model for it to be accessible to the general public is readily available, it's just not evenly distributed.
I can go to several local fed-ex offices here in Vancouver and they will print on demand a file that I provide them, for a very reasonable cost (given that they eat the cost of misprints and supervision of the process).
There are a number of fairly successful print on demand businesses that are niche specialized as well, heroforge is a great example.
- redis_mlc 5y ago> fed-ex offices Kinko's. FTFY. :)
- 2muchcoffeeman 5y agoI can go to several local fed-ex offices here in Vancouver and they will print on demand a file that I provide them, for a very reasonable cost (given that they eat the cost of misprints and supervision of the process). That sounds more of what I am thinking of. Australia has a population of similar magnitude, but I've never heard of such a thing here. I disagree that Heroforge is a good example of 3D printing being available to the general public. Firstly it's literally a niche product. Shapeways is more general and I've ordered from them before, but international shipping is very expensive. I can order an Ikea replacement part for $10 and then pay $27 for shipping. Most of my designs and prints are often for very mundane things. Missing pieces or broken parts that would save you 10s or hundreds of dollars. But most people think of 3D printing as a high tech manufacturing process. Or they think of the hobby as something for making toys. Most don't fathom that you can use the technology to fix your headphones or replace a broken part. And this is a technology that has direct application to people lives right now. Custom ICs are very cool and even more niche.