Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

3D Printing On Demand

Posted by timothy on from the safer-than-a-cnc-machine dept.

Iddo Genuth writes "The Netherlands based company Shapeways is beta testing a new service allowing people to print three-dimensional models. Customers can upload designs or use a creation tool hosted at the Shapeways website, then order a printed model of their designs for less than $3 per square centimeter. The printed items are shipped to the customer in ten days or less, bringing 3D printing to consumers and not just companies large enough to afford their own printers."

3 of 106 comments (clear)

  1. Waaaaaah? by wisty · · Score: 5, Interesting

    So will they mind if some of the 'prototypes' have an eerie resemblance to 40k minitures?

  2. A new copyright battle? by 91degrees · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Right now this process is quite expensive, so this isn't going to be a problem, but I can imagine this getting cheaper.

    Some people are going to be using this to make 3D copies of cheap plastic items they own. Another poster mentioned Warhammer miniatures, and I could imagine lots of other small but expensive items being copied.

    Once someone with money takes notice of this, I guarantee a legal battle tying to make it illegal.

    1. Re:A new copyright battle? by inviolet · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Some people are going to be using this to make 3D copies of cheap plastic items they own.

      I'd like to see the following system put in place:

      • Every manufacturer of anything that has plastic components, is required to upload the components' specs to an escrow agency. Things like plastic cases, battery door covers, hinges, knobs, you name it, all will be escrowed.
      • While the manufacturer is in existence and offering spares for sale, you buy your replacement parts from them in the u$ual way.
      • After n years, or if the manufacturer goes under, the escrow agency releases the specs to the public.
      • You can then download the specs and print out your own replacement parts.

      This wouldn't affect anyone's bottom line, and it wouldn't let you rip off their electronic components (which is where the real investment is at)... it would simply let you get replacement parts during those times when, traditionally, you couldn't.

      Some companies might even choose to release their plans early, on their website or whatever, in order to get goodwill.

      --
      FATMOUSE + YOU = FATMOUSE