3 ms·
Your response show a lack of understanding about what the real uses of a 3d printer are. The maintenance is worthwhile for the actual use-cases. Think instead
by ericb 14y ago
Your response show a lack of understanding about what the real uses of a 3d printer are. The maintenance is worthwhile for the actual use-cases.
Think instead of: A one-off part for a one-of-a-kind car whose parts are no longer made. A chair with the exact outline of my buttocks. A replacement part for a custom-made machine. A life-size doll that looks like me. A prototype of my new widget, which I tweak repeatedly until the production run. Think customization, one-offs, personalization, and bespoke design.
- shimon_e 14y agoI work in manufacturing (actually a lot of the products I work with are bespoke). They are going to have to complete on price and with their method of operations they aren't going to win that battle. There is a reason why automated tube socks are still made in China and not America. From a operations POV there is little difference between tube socks and 3d printed goods. Don't misread me. I am not commenting on the 3d printing technology. That is going to be successful irregardless of this naive attempt.
- ericb 14y agoI'm not sure I follow. If I need that custom part, and more custom things, I print it myself, or go to my local shop where they can print it for the price of the plastic and a markup. I don't wait 2 weeks and pay shipping from china. On a one-off or custom good, the economics and opportunity cost are terrible for china. They will be even worse if oil prices rise.
- shimon_e 14y agoTerrible for China till a certain price point then the trend returns back into China's favour.