19 ms·
> How much of our economy is actually based on the kinds of small, plastic objects that can be printed? It seems more realistic to ask: > How much of our econ
by _greim_ 13y ago
> How much of our economy is actually based on the kinds of small, plastic objects that can be printed?
It seems more realistic to ask:
> How much of our economy is actually based on the kinds of objects that can be printed?
...since ceramics, metal, rubber, and circuit boards can be printed. The "printed circuit board" is not even a new concept. And when you ask it this way, it really does seem like the potential for societal disruption is huge.
- yongjik 13y agoSorry, I'm confused. Are you suggesting that we will have a 3D printer that can print ceramics, metal, rubber, and circuit boards? Because I just don't see it coming. I certainly don't see how it could be any cheaper than simply buy metal stuff made in a factory with metal-only 3D printer, for example. Sure it may disrupt some industry: Boeing may start to use a 3D printer for airplane wings, Intel may use one for CPU cores and Nike may use one for sneakers. What I don't see is everybody having a magic 3D printer at home that can print airplane wings, CPUs and shoes. I'll believe that when I see one.