3D printing now offered from a mainstream model company...

[Danno]

NASA is experimenting with 3D printers to print food. So far, they've printed a cracker-size pizza.

Hospitals have been 3D printing food for years.

Banks have been 3D printing money since time began.

The government has been 3D printing ... whoops. Can't go there.

[Art Anderson]

In scanning through The Wall Street Journal from Thursday, June 6, 2013 over lunch at work, I read a fascinating article on 3D printing and some of the uses it's being put to in industry (for example, Ford Motor Company has started creating masters for both foundry castings and injection molded plastic parts, and GE, who are experimenting with producing jet engine parts by 3D printing IN METAL), the most interesting part is about Mattel--whose engineers now use 30 3D printers for creating the tooling mockups for future toys.

However, Mattel seems to through a considerable "wet blanket" on the concept of a toy manufacturer designing a subject, then selling the requisite files to consumers so they can 3D print toys on their own for their kids.

"A company spokesman said the company couldn't guarrantee toys that consumers printed out would be safe for children (my note: Model car kits do wind up in the hands of children still in these days of adult builders!), a 'topic that that the entire toy industry will have to face and embrace' as #D printer use broadens at home." (WSJ, June 6, 2013)

It would seem that similar concerns most likely will surface at most plastic model companies as well, it seems to me, at least in the foreseeable future.

Art

[Harry P.]

"A company spokesman said the company couldn't guarrantee toys that consumers printed out would be safe for children (my note: Model car kits do wind up in the hands of children still in these days of adult builders!), a 'topic that that the entire toy industry will have to face and embrace' as #D printer use broadens at home." (WSJ, June 6, 2013)

How is that any different than injection-molded plastic kits not being safe for children? Ok, so they put a warning on the box, that seems to cover them, legally. Wouldn't a similar warning that you would have to agree to by clicking the "I accept" box, like the "terms and conditions" you have to agree to before downloading software, etc., serve the same purpose on a downloadable 3-D file?

[Art Anderson]

How is that any different than injection-molded plastic kits not being safe for children? Ok, so they put a warning on the box, that seems to cover them, legally. Wouldn't a similar warning that you would have to agree to by clicking the "I accept" box, like the "terms and conditions" you have to agree to before downloading software, etc., serve the same purpose on a downloadable 3-D file?

I have no idea, Harry, other than the company originating the 3D printing files would have no control over the process nor the finished 3D printed part or parts. Also, a signature by a minor to an agreement accepting risk, or "terms and conditions" has absolutely no force whatsoever, and a parent has only limited rights to sign away any right to action by his/her child in a matter of tort (damages).

Bear in mind, the creator of such software would have no control over the quality of the particular 3D printer used, nor the kind (or grade thereof) of plastic feedstock used. I know that sounds rediculous, but sometimes civil courts seem rediculous, and of course should a lawyer see potential for a winning case with a significant fee for himself and/or his law firm--well, I don't think I should have to elaborate further.

Art

[Harry P.]

I have no idea, Harry, other than the company originating the 3D printing files would have no control over the process nor the finished 3D printed part or parts. Also, a signature by a minor to an agreement accepting risk, or "terms and conditions" has absolutely no force whatsoever, and a parent has only limited rights to sign away any right to action by his/her child in a matter of tort (damages).

Bear in mind, the creator of such software would have no control over the quality of the particular 3D printer used, nor the kind (or grade thereof) of plastic feedstock used. I know that sounds rediculous, but sometimes civil courts seem rediculous, and of course should a lawyer see potential for a winning case with a significant fee for himself and/or his law firm--well, I don't think I should have to elaborate further.

Art

Yeah, I agree... once the lawyers get involved it becomes a mess.

[mikemodeler]

While I have been following this closely, there was an article (probably the same one Art saw in the WSJ) in the Charlotte paper yesterday regarding this. This technology is being used to create masters and various hi-tech parts but using them for mass production seems to be costly and time consuming versus current production methods. This holds great promise of helping medical professionals possibly creating artificial organs and limbs and the article even mentioned body tissue!

I have a hard time believing that the masses would want to invest in the cost of a 3D printer AND supplies in order to create a model. If people are balking at current kit costs ($25 & up) what do you think they would say to paying a similar amount AND having to create it themselves? I personally don't see me buying a 3D printer as I don't build enough models as it is to justify the cost. I could see a LHS having one and creating model kits for customers, kind of like having a suit tailor made!

I like the concept of 3D printers, just not convinced yet that model companies will stop injection molding any time soon.

[sjordan2]

Here's a 3D-printed 1/12 Aston Martin racing engine, done as a rapid prototype for casting...scroll about a third of the way down.

http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/large-scale-cars/56490-1-12-lola.html

[Danno]

Another installment ~ ~ ~

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/vintage-speed/3d-printing-can-now-re-create-an-entire-classic-car-15566080

Very interesting as technology marches on!

Edited June 13, 2013 by Danno

[Lownslow]

Here's a 3D-printed 1/12 Aston Martin racing engine, done as a rapid prototype for casting...scroll about a third of the way down.

http://www.scalemotorcars.com/forum/large-scale-cars/56490-1-12-lola.html

Large scale stuff comes out beautiful the minimum size restrictions dont affect them.

[martinfan5]

Another installment ~ ~ ~

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/vintage-speed/3d-printing-can-now-re-create-an-entire-classic-car-15566080

Very interesting as technology marches on!

That was a very interesting read

[sjordan2]

Consumer 3D printing on a faster track, as Stratasys buys MakerBot..

"Three-dimensional printing giant Stratasys Ltd. is venturing into the burgeoning consumer market for affordable 3-D printers by acquiring rival MakerBot Industries for $403 million in stock.

Stratasys said the deal will enable the Eden Prairie, Minn., company to offer affordable desktop printers, which is Makerbot's specialty.

The deal is yet another sign of the emerging market for consumer 3-D printers..."

http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-stratasys-makerbot-3d-printing-20130619,0,3619218.story

[sjordan2]

Here's an article today at CNN.com offering a cost analysis of using a home 3D printer...They don't seem to have factored in the capital investment as applied to each piece, which is unknowable, really, but still...

http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/31/study-at-home-3-d-printing-could-save-consumers-thousands/?hpt=hp_bn5

Edited August 2, 2013 by sjordan2

[Eshaver]

With the possibility of Home 3-D printing capabilities fast approaching, how far behind can Hollidecks, transporters , and a scenic trip to another planet be ?

[crazyjim]

Yo Ed - what's a Hollideck?

[zenrat]

Hollydeck - mash up of Star Trek & Red Dwarf technology. A 3 dimensional totally immersive holographic entertainment system run by a computer too stupid to count to 20 without taking its shoes off.

Mind you, given how many times the Holodecks on the Enterprise malfunctioned could one run by Holly be any less reliable?

[LokisTyro]

Well. I'm about ¾'s through this thread so this is surely off-topic as the thread has
surely evolved but I feel I have a few valid points on the subject..IMO of course!
I haven't seen some of them mentioned yet in my reading so here I go.

I see a great opportunity for LHS's (that local hobby store, right? *new here*).
If/when full kits become available I would love to be able to walk in the shop and
have THEM print my kit for me. They can also print the decals for me there as well.
I don't want to afford a 3-D printer. Technology is always improving rapidly, but at
a trickle-down rate to consumers so I really don't buy much of what's out there. I
wouldn't be able to afford anything of superior quality for personal use anyway. Nor
would I want to store it in my home (I'm assuming bigger item, bigger printer). I have
enough "big" hobbies that take up space.

I think there's an opportunity to have in-house designers for custom work at hobby shops.
I'd like the stores to print my own creations, but to have the option of an artist's rendition
of something is pretty cool, I think, and gives a creative outlet for many, I bet, talented
people out there. I think there's a lot of room for amateur entrepreneurs. They'll
pop up in C*****list, "GT4500XL with Ver. 3.0 Viperiffic software $50/hr or $XX.XX per lb".


Another thought is that I like hobby shops much more than I like the internet.
Going to the Happy Hobby near me has always been an experience I've enjoyed.
I like being able to look at someone while talking to them, especially someone that
shares interests or has passion for the subject at hand. I can also see if anything
is damaged before I buy it instead of receiving that ill-fated speedy delivery.

Well, that's about all the rambling I want to do. Carry-on and I hope everyone is
enjoying their weekend.

-Andy

[Eshaver]

Well. I'm about ¾'s through this thread so this is surely off-topic as the thread has

surely evolved but I feel I have a few valid points on the subject..IMO of course!

I haven't seen some of them mentioned yet in my reading so here I go.

I see a great opportunity for LHS's (that local hobby store, right? *new here*).

If/when full kits become available I would love to be able to walk in the shop and

have THEM print my kit for me. They can also print the decals for me there as well.

I don't want to afford a 3-D printer. Technology is always improving rapidly, but at

a trickle-down rate to consumers so I really don't buy much of what's out there. I

wouldn't be able to afford anything of superior quality for personal use anyway. Nor

would I want to store it in my home (I'm assuming bigger item, bigger printer). I have

enough "big" hobbies that take up space.

I think there's an opportunity to have in-house designers for custom work at hobby shops.

I'd like the stores to print my own creations, but to have the option of an artist's rendition

of something is pretty cool, I think, and gives a creative outlet for many, I bet, talented

people out there. I think there's a lot of room for amateur entrepreneurs. They'll

pop up in C*****list, "GT4500XL with Ver. 3.0 Viperiffic software $50/hr or $XX.XX per lb".

Another thought is that I like hobby shops much more than I like the internet.

Going to the Happy Hobby near me has always been an experience I've enjoyed.

I like being able to look at someone while talking to them, especially someone that

shares interests or has passion for the subject at hand. I can also see if anything

is damaged before I buy it instead of receiving that ill-fated speedy delivery.

Well, that's about all the rambling I want to do. Carry-on and I hope everyone is

enjoying their weekend.

-Andy

Andy, I just re read you're thoughts for a third time , very impressive ! You could be onto a new retail venture an maybe ya don't even realize how lucrative you're idea really is . Instead of relying on someone else , I suggest you write a business plan , in corporate even with family an go for it !!!!!!!!!