3d printing to explode in 2014?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VIPR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 02:01:16 pm
content: Accoring to the article I came across today the answer is yes due to expiring patents. I thought that perhaps those on the forum who are interested in 3d printing or are thinking about making or purchasing a machine soon like myself might want to read this first:http://qz.com/106483/3d-printing-will-explode-in-2014-thanks-to-the-expiration-of-key-patents/.I looked quickly around the forum to see if anyone has already mentioned this or not before posting but I didn't see anything regarding this information so I thought I would post it.

author: JorgeCarbajal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 02:08:29 pm
content: Since when chinese manufacturers care about patents?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 03:43:29 pm
content: Since when does Obama care about patents?

author: Phaedrus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 05:16:04 pm
content: Quote from: JorgeCarbajal on August 13, 2013, 02:08:29 pmLawsuits and import bans can usually get them to take notice.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 05:30:16 pm
content: Same as "Year of Linux on the desktop"I.e. Nope.

author: MacAttak
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 06:24:50 pm
content: Explode? No.Make huge gains in mainstream popularity? Yes.They are still far too expensive and difficult to operate / maintain for most people. And the results are still fairly underwhelming depending on the expectations. Also, the vast majority of printer manufacturers have experienced absurd amounts of difficulty in bringing their designs to market - so they aren't easy to get. But many companies and individuals are frantically working to improve all of those issues. So it's coming. But I don't quite think 2014 will be it. Maybe 2015 once people start seeing infomercials on late-night TV and once some talentless celebrity features a printer in one of those stupid "reality TV" shows that seem to be so popular.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 07:14:40 pm
content: The big problem with 3D printers is that there is a gaping chasm between what people imagine they can/will do and what they actually can/will do, or will ever be able to do, for that matter.They are a manufacturing tool - they manufacture parts out of a very specific few materials and at bad resolution and slowly. Resolution will improve somewhat, but there are physical limits on resolution when you are extruding molten plastic.Nobody is ever going to be able to print a new mirror housing for their car - certainly never approaching the cost or quality of an original part.And how many products are made from those few materials that can be printed and nothing more? Very very little.They are (and will be) huge for designers and for expanding RP to the masses. But most people don't need RP capability, and 3D printers are never going to be production machines other than for very complex parts, which very very few people need.

author: staze
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 10:44:13 pm
content: Unless they figure out a way around this... I certainly hope not. Mind you, fans and filters would probably solve the issue for the most part.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231013005086

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2013, 12:23:39 am
content: I don't know. They're great for prototyping. You could give me one for free and I can't imagine actually manufacturing anything with it. Honestly, I wouldn't even want one for free...it would just take up room in my shop. They're great tools, but I can't imagine them "exploding" however cheap they get.