The democratization of manufacture

[Feelinglost]

You’ve probably heard about 3D printing, the sci-fi technology that creates real objects, seemingly out of nothing. But the world of digital fabrication extends beyond 3D printing, into CNC routing, laser-cutting, and digital fabric printing to name a few. All of these techniques have led to a democratization of the product design business — a new world where the Do It Yourself (DIY) culture has evolved into Make it Yourself (MIY).

The possibilities of this technology are truly mind boggling. Below is a 10 min video discussing some of it's potential uses. Enjoy.

[needle_too]

Most of those machines such as the RepRap or the zCorp printers are seriously limited in their applications.

RepRap, for example, makes plastic moulds. So while you can make models of things its difficult to make actual useful items. Plastic doorknobs anyone?

With the zCorp machines, again you can make models or prototypes of things but you cant make the thing itself.
Theres a video of them making a wrench on you tube somewhere; thing is its made of plaster with a hardening resin. Its tough alright but it cant be used like a real tool and you have to buy the powder and resin from zCorp - so they got you by the balls right there.

The CNC routers are best for etching and cutting wood and some metals.
But again they are limited; You cant just replace your broken wing mirror with wooden one you made yourself.

The reason this is 'big' now is that people dont understand that advanced materials and industrial processes are required for even the most mundane of items.

Fascinating though it may be to some, those who understand manufacturing know that its a fad that will go the way of the fax machine.

[Nemesiscorporation]

You’ve probably heard about 3D printing, the sci-fi technology that creates real objects, seemingly out of nothing. But the world of digital fabrication extends beyond 3D printing, into CNC routing, laser-cutting, and digital fabric printing to name a few. All of these techniques have led to a democratization of the product design business — a new world where the Do It Yourself (DIY) culture has evolved into Make it Yourself (MIY).

The possibilities of this technology are truly mind boggling. Below is a 10 min video discussing some of it's potential uses. Enjoy.

These are great machines.

I have seen 3D printers that print plastics and they are impressive. Most are still not very accurate and require significant touching up with needle files to remove imperfections, but they are still impressive.

3D printers are great for prototyping and also not that hard to make as well. There are numerous designs on the internet for converting ordinary printers into 3D printers.

At present the technology is still in the hobby and research phase. It will be a long time before 3D printing breaks through barriers such as printing with more than one material, but it will eventually happen.

[needle_too]

3D printers are great for prototyping and also not that hard to make as well. There are numerous designs on the internet for converting ordinary printers into 3D printers.

What?
Turn a desktop printer into a 3d printer? I dont think so.
If you mean 'tear a few inkjet printers apart and use the PCBs or switches' to make another machine, then yes, you can. But you could do it with an old microwave oven either.
You cannot turn a 2D desktop inkjet printer into a 3D model making printer without serious know-how.
Even then you're just scavenging parts, not 'converting'.

At present the technology is still in the hobby and research phase. It will be a long time before 3D printing breaks through barriers such as printing with more than one material, but it will eventually happen.

No it wont.
You cant print carbon fibre or glass.
You cant print ceramics or composite plastics.
You cant even print fibre glass.

This is why we have specialist engineering companies.

What you can print is solid plastic or plaster models; a model of your head for example.
I cannot imagine anyone but the most hardcore enthusiast building one of these machines just to pump out solid 3D plastic models of his own head. What are you gonna do; give them out as presents?

If you wanted to 'print' anything else you need the proper materials, processes and dedicated equipment.

What this equipment is being used for, in a professional capacity not a 'look-what-I-built-in-my-shed' capacity, is producing replicas of internal organs and bones to grow cells and tissue for replacement surgery.
You wont be doing that in your shed.