3D Printing With Metal: Engineers Create DIY Welding 3D Printer For Under $1,500
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3097854/posts
I know next to nothing about 3D printers, so, if I may, I would like to ask a question.
Can a 3D printer make large cap magazines? Can any make the spring out of either spring steel or something comparable? And last but by far not the least is, which one could do these things most economically?
I thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
Now that's an explosive market. I can't wait until I can print my very own Cracker Jack's toys without having to go to the store.
That said, the really serious stuff in metal and ceramic is a while away. And GE (with its acquisition of Morris Technology in 2012) is already getting staged to be the dominant player.
DDD and Stratasys will most likely be acquisition candidates at best...or toy makers and hobbyists favorites at worst.
Prototyping and one off parts = yes
Production = no
I figured out where 3D printing might make a big disruptive hit: Printer Ink Cartridges. Instead of one wall, a store has one 3D printer for every cartridge made. People could print them out at home, refillable for practically free. It would kill HP, Lexmark, Epson, all the big printer dudes — they don’t make their margins selling printers, they make it selling cartridges, ink, and paper.