>> As for the numbers, only to be expected in a hype game. > What does that even mean? Think dot com bubble, think real estate pre-2008, or more currently thi

>> As for the numbers, only to be expected in a hype game. > What does that even mean? Think dot com bubble, think real estate pre-2008, or more currently think zinga, Facebook, instagram. These things were MASSIVE before they died (or are about to die) a death. Most people didn't want to think they would fall as much or as badly as they did (or are about to) in the end. They all share one thing, they're massively over hyped for the actual value they give. NB: that's not the same as saying they give no value. Each of the above have considerable merit, but nothing approaching their hype. History tells us the safest bet here is to cash out. >> Think about something like the parts market for appliances and cars. Let's say i'm an appliance manufacturer, or i'm a 3rd party parts manufacturer. Where is the benefit to me in any of this? Will a 3D printer ever be cheaper or able to crank out volumes akin to my sub contracted production lines in China? I think we can safely say no. 3D printers are a niche, that's their value proposition. I can have an amateur knock out a part that's no longer made. The same way i can take a trip to a local metal worker with both parts of a rusted-in-half fender and say "hey, can you knock me up one of these for my 1963 jaguar e-type?" 3D printers will continue to be as relevant to Joe Punter as my local metal worker's English Wheeling Machine.