2013-05-30

Thoughts on 3D Printing and Model Manufacturers

I noticed when peopel talked about 3D printing, it naturally started with topic on 'copy and duplication', then its follow onto the issue with copyright, etc. This is very sad in my opinion. It is like when people see a knife, the only thing they can think of is murder and killing, and failed to see other great benefit it could bring. 

Lets not forget, the most important purposes is to create our ideas.


As for how Model Manufactures can work with the technology, and lets use Bandai as the example.
Assume we are at a time when the 3d printing technology is cheaper and better, and there is 100% guaranted on data security (no one could decode or copy) and Bandai has full control over the usage of 3d printing on their data (eg. control how many copy 'you' can print). I see Bandai could do the following:
1. broken part replacement 
2. upgrade parts (to fix existing designs)
3. eventually distribute the model digitally


Another thoughts I have is - with 3D Printing technology, it has already changed the way we look at this modelling hobby. There are already 3D Printers that could create 3d models from office paper and with true color at wonderful resolution. In 5~10 years time, you won't need glue, knife, paints airbrush + compressor. You can design your models digitally and print it from a $150 printer, no mess and with great result. 

It will change how people defines the modelling hobby. And how we value digital creation and the effort involved.



I am wondering if 3D printer will appear in the local hobby show this year, maybe I should drop the company a note, and see what the traditional modellers would think of it :)

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