Rapid Prototyping In Your & Every Home

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andrewstaflin

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It was not so long ago that people could not imagine a computer or a cell phone in every home. In the future, it is highly possible that every home will have a 3D printer to use at their discretion for a wide variety of uses such as kitchenware, art, food, and trophies. As the software and materials continue to advance, the price is constantly reducing and the demand is increasing. All of these elements are leading to a 3D printer in every home.

Affordability

One of the reasons 3D printers are not yet in every home is that they are still quite expensive. Most people who own these life-changing printers are those with a fascination with rapid prototyping as a hobby or people who are able to use them for their jobs in a professional capacity. The cost of these printers will continue to decline just as all other technological advancements before them such as laptops, smartwear, and mobile phones. As they become more affordable, more people will buy one for personal use.

Applications Development

Another reason people are hesitant to make the investment to have one in their home for personal use is that the applications are still quite limited. At the moment, the software applications for everyday items has not yet come close to reaching its potential. The fact that the 3D files required to print any item are still highly limited is preventing larger ownership. As these applications continue to develop, the more the industry will continue to grow. It is estimated that this industry will be worth close to $20 billion by 2018. These application developments will continue to expand the ways in which a 3D printer can enhance the lives of people at work, at home, and in schools.

Material Advancements

The materials being used have been a significant hindrance to the interest of the general public. While such materials available for personal and professional creations have been limited, this is quickly changing to a larger range of offerings. Several models can now handle a few different materials at the same time. As people are able to use more materials, the applications will continue to grow, as will the demand for these printers in every home. Today, most models create items from plastic materials, however it is also possible to create items from materials such as steel, glass, titanium, silver, and more.

Edible Printing

It is also possible to create edible products and nutritious meals with a 3D food printer. This type of 3D printer is growing in popularity at a rapid rate. Many of the world’s best chefs are using these printers in their restaurants to create food that is truly a work of art in both appearance and taste. These printers are also ideal for busy families and people who want to create the ultimate dinner party experience. In future, parents can create a meal on the computer at work and the meal will be prepared by the time they get home. This type of printer appeals to busy professionals who do not have time to cook, cooking enthusiasts, and those individuals who may not enjoy cooking. It will also help to increase healthy eating and maximize nutrition based on the health of an individual such as high cholesterol or the flu. An entire meal cannot yet be made in a printer, however it is not far off at this time. And, these can also be used to help reduce food poverty in developing nations.

Repair Rather Than Buy

Many developed nations are quite wasteful and have been in the habit of throwing things away and buying new rather than to make simple repairs to daily items such as lamps and tables due to cost and inconvenience. A trend has started to take off in such nations of repairing items rather than throwing them out. A 3D printer in the house will help to meet the demand of this rapidly growing trend in cities the world over. It may even start out that friends or neighbors buy a printer together to get more use out of them until the limitations begin to erode.

More and more businesses and individuals are developing an interest in the potential of 3D printing applications. There is even one at the international space station. As the applications continue to increase and the cost continues to decline, it may not be so far fetched to believe that every home will have a 3D printer one day in the not so distant future.
 

Dualkit

Member
It was not so long ago that people could not imagine a computer or a cell phone in every home. In the future, it is highly possible that every home will have a 3D printer to use at their discretion for a wide variety of uses such as kitchenware, art, food, and trophies. As the software and materials continue to advance, the price is constantly reducing and the demand is increasing. All of these elements are leading to a 3D printer in every home.

Did you just compare using a 3D printer to a telephone?
 

HumbleGuru

New Member
One unforseen problem with the concept of ubiquitous part production is the fact that in this era of smart phones and reality TV, only a small fraction of the population spent their time learning the software and mastering the hardware necessary to produce anything of value. The rest of the population seems content with accomplishments such as taking a picture of their breakfast and posting it online. Personal manufacturing is upon us, but not everyone is equipped to be able to turn out anything of value.
 
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