2:35 PM
Kinsz
The 3D printer may not be a wholly new concept in itself - but the 3D printer made for the consumer is. For a long time, a few companies have crafted 3D printers, but marketed them toward business that had uses for them. Consumers haven't heard much about these types of printers because, for years, the makers of 3D printers didn't see what the average person could do with it. Likewise, 3D printers weren't exactly cheap, which left the majority of the population behind.
However, the future is now, which means you could have a 3D printer in your home tomorrow. Printer companies see the benefits of opening up their businesses to average customers, which can mean a huge change in the way the printing business runs overall. Other companies that currently don't make 3D printers will have to sit up and take notice, as will several other companies when people start making things they used to purchase in stores, from toys to drinking glasses.
Cost, materials, and design possibilities
3D printers use plastics to create objects through a process known as extrusion technology. The plastic is melted and fed through a print head that makes the object from the base up, building layer upon layer at a rate of 40mm per second until the final object - be it a chess piece or a shoe - hardens and is ready for use.
Two companies are already seeking ways to entice customers to purchase a 3D printer. The Replicator, made by Markerbot, is currently selling for $1,749. This particular 3D printer will craft objects in a single color. For the chance to make objects with two colors, the price is bumped up an additional $250. Each spool of plastic is $50. However, there is enough plastic in a spool to create a toy castle playset that can easily cost triple that amount in a toy store.
3D Systems is the maker of the Cube, and has been at 3D printer technology for a long time. Cube is their first consumer product and has a simple look than the Replicator. Its price is currently at $1,299 while the cartridges (not spools) sell for $49.95. Colors available for both machines vary widely, from simple white to vibrant greens, pinks, reds, blues, and more. If you've ever wanted to play checkers with blue and green pieces instead of red and black, now you don't have to wait for a company to create it - you can make it yourself.
The possibilities are endless!
That is the beauty of 3D printers. Many people still look at them and wonder, "But what can I use it for?" 3D printers give you the chance to make a huge number of things. Bathtub plugs, shower rings, game pieces, children's toys, cups, plates, forks, even little things you might not think of. Have some pens that need new pen caps? Make them! Own something that has a broken piece? Craft a brand new piece. Right now both 3D printers can only make stationary objects, but that doesn't mean you can't make a toy that moves.
The possibilities are only growing, especially since both companies are offering ways that people can share their own designs. Make your own with Google Sketchup or TinkerCAD software. If you aren't sure of how to make something, you can visit Markerbot's website Thingverse where designs are uploaded by other users and shared for free. Markerbot's goal is to provide people with all sorts of great free designs that allow you to save money since you don't have to constantly buy a design you want. 3D Systems offers a different kind of incentive. People who upload their designs to the 3D Systems app can actually make money. Every time someone purchases their design, they earn 60% of the proceeds. In the long run, you may be able to save all sorts of money by skipping the toy store or grocery store and simply making something for yourself.
A promising idea for the future
When consumers begin to see all the ways they can save money through a printer that costs no more than some of today's other high-end electronics, it won't be a surprise to see these flying off shelves. The future isn't just coming anymore - it's already here.
However, the future is now, which means you could have a 3D printer in your home tomorrow. Printer companies see the benefits of opening up their businesses to average customers, which can mean a huge change in the way the printing business runs overall. Other companies that currently don't make 3D printers will have to sit up and take notice, as will several other companies when people start making things they used to purchase in stores, from toys to drinking glasses.
Cost, materials, and design possibilities
3D printers use plastics to create objects through a process known as extrusion technology. The plastic is melted and fed through a print head that makes the object from the base up, building layer upon layer at a rate of 40mm per second until the final object - be it a chess piece or a shoe - hardens and is ready for use.
Two companies are already seeking ways to entice customers to purchase a 3D printer. The Replicator, made by Markerbot, is currently selling for $1,749. This particular 3D printer will craft objects in a single color. For the chance to make objects with two colors, the price is bumped up an additional $250. Each spool of plastic is $50. However, there is enough plastic in a spool to create a toy castle playset that can easily cost triple that amount in a toy store.
3D Systems is the maker of the Cube, and has been at 3D printer technology for a long time. Cube is their first consumer product and has a simple look than the Replicator. Its price is currently at $1,299 while the cartridges (not spools) sell for $49.95. Colors available for both machines vary widely, from simple white to vibrant greens, pinks, reds, blues, and more. If you've ever wanted to play checkers with blue and green pieces instead of red and black, now you don't have to wait for a company to create it - you can make it yourself.
The possibilities are endless!
That is the beauty of 3D printers. Many people still look at them and wonder, "But what can I use it for?" 3D printers give you the chance to make a huge number of things. Bathtub plugs, shower rings, game pieces, children's toys, cups, plates, forks, even little things you might not think of. Have some pens that need new pen caps? Make them! Own something that has a broken piece? Craft a brand new piece. Right now both 3D printers can only make stationary objects, but that doesn't mean you can't make a toy that moves.
The possibilities are only growing, especially since both companies are offering ways that people can share their own designs. Make your own with Google Sketchup or TinkerCAD software. If you aren't sure of how to make something, you can visit Markerbot's website Thingverse where designs are uploaded by other users and shared for free. Markerbot's goal is to provide people with all sorts of great free designs that allow you to save money since you don't have to constantly buy a design you want. 3D Systems offers a different kind of incentive. People who upload their designs to the 3D Systems app can actually make money. Every time someone purchases their design, they earn 60% of the proceeds. In the long run, you may be able to save all sorts of money by skipping the toy store or grocery store and simply making something for yourself.
A promising idea for the future
When consumers begin to see all the ways they can save money through a printer that costs no more than some of today's other high-end electronics, it won't be a surprise to see these flying off shelves. The future isn't just coming anymore - it's already here.
About the Author:
Eezy Trade provides the best cheap ink cartridges with the minimum price to its clients. They do not have any hidden extras such as postage, packaging or VAT. They offer different types of cartridges including epson printer ink cartridges to their valued customers.
0 comments:
Post a Comment