3 ms·

I just don't see this happening. Most mass market parts are made using methods that are very inexpensive and fast in large quantities: stamping, injection moldi

I just don't see this happening. Most mass market parts are made using methods that are very inexpensive and fast in large quantities: stamping, injection molding, and the like. 3D printing takes up a good amount of time on an expensive machine, plus operator time, electricity, shop space, etc. Think about what your time is worth to an employer. The cost of a replacement part is probably relatively low compared to the cost of your time to fix the machine. Not to mention the opportunity cost of not having the appliance working. You're talking about a situation where you'd like to get a price down to $8. It's very tough to make money selling physical products at $8 a pop, let alone things that must be custom made.

Zancarius 12y ago
> Think about what your time is worth to an employer. The cost of a replacement part is probably relatively low compared to the cost of your time to fix the machine. Not to mention the opportunity cost of not having the appliance working. My example was for an item in private use, not commercial. I don't know of anyone who actively bills for their own personal chores at home (such as, say, vacuuming or mowing their yard). > You're talking about a situation where you'd like to get a price down to $8. It's very tough to make money selling physical products at $8 a pop, let alone things that must be custom made. Maybe so, but you have to admit charging > $20 for a part that probably costs less than 50¢ leaves at least some room for competition, no?