Your thoughts on 3D printing?

Sounds like Ridiculous Hype

Seriously though, it is a curiosity to me right now...not an investment opportunity

Definitely an interesting industry. I have followed a few stories on the subject, and I believe Staples may have the right idea on implementation of this technology. I am not sure how many people would actually like to own a 3D printer, let alone afford one. However, the ability to purchase a blueprint and send it to a company to make just a specific part that is needed is intriguing. A couple of articles I found interesting:

Staples 3D printing service in the Netherlands.

‘Wiki Weapon’

As with most things, details matter.

There are lots of things one can "print" ... but once you delve into specific materials performance questions it becomes more difficult.

So far, nobody has been able to print a fully-functioning AR-15. Certain pieces that aren't subject to demanding requirements, sure. But nobody is stamping them out.

Or anything that requires something like, say, pure titanium to resist high temps.

It's definitely a potentially disruptive technology that opens new avenues to solving problems but don't expect old-school subtractive manufacturing to go away.

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So far, nobody has been able to print a fully-functioning AR-15. Certain pieces that aren't subject to demanding requirements, sure. But nobody is stamping them out.

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Because it is illegal to print the entire gun. DD has made almost every part and tested them individually with parts from other guns.

So much is being done in this space that I think the innovation curve will surprise folks. Improvements in materials and cost are going to both be the barriers, but I think we overcome them in the next 5-10 years.

3D printing is an absolute game changer. The cost of materials is dirt cheap and it ultimately has the ability to disrupt mainstream manufacturing and replace it with mass customization.

Normal manufacturing methods come with tooling costs meaning that forces smaller companies and individuals to be priced out of the market when it comes to product development.

In a 3D printing world, you could download CAD specs for a new mug or iPhone case. Customize it to your liking, then immediately begin production. No freight. No shipping. Unique product customized just for you.

It's quite possible our grandchildren will live in a world where they think it's weird that we all bought the same stuff.

I personally think 3D printing is a bit over inflated. I'm sure the first few years (like now) will be promising, but I don't see it doing much to the customized consumer markets... I see it effecting the R&D of traditional markets.

However, once 3D printers hit outsources like India, we get right back into the same boat we are now.

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a new mug or iPhone case

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Those things are dirt cheap today. I can't imagine 3D printing being cheaper that plastics extrusion.

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3D printing has the potential to make a quantity of 1 dirt cheap.

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For those people who want to invest the time and money into getting the capability to 3D print at all, yes. Joe Sixpack will stick with the mass-produced version, he has a game to watch and meth to cook.

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For those people who want to invest the time and money into getting the capability to 3D print at all, yes. Joe Sixpack will stick with the mass-produced version, he has a game to watch and meth to cook.

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Right now in 2013, you are right no doubt about it, but that's why I said "potential". But the fact that there are already thousands of people doing 3d printing in their homes, even though the tech is so young, is very promising. Besides, each of us don't need our own printer for it to eventually have a huge impact on everyone.

It's not about killing the mass-production industry. It's about putting production into the hands of the masses in the same way the PC brought computing to the masses.

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From my research it does look exciting, if the industry can overcome some logistical issues with speed and materials. What says the MB?

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It is radical technology that will change the way we live, at least as much as smartphones and social media, though the progress will be a little slower to percolate through society - probably more like PC market growth, as this is a hardware based technology that requires some sophistication at this point.

However, I liken it to CD burning - at first only nerds could do it, then everybody could do it - now nobody does it because we're on to the next technology. 3D printing will replace much of the nonspecialized manufacturing in China. What will become valuable again is the creative process as people will want to print from the best designs, rather than get the cheapest thing that will work, because they will largely be in control of their final costs.