[Doc HM]

Fascinating article on 3D printing. (As in "printing" actual 3D objects not flat 3D on paper)

BBC News - The disruptive future of printing

I do like the note that once made the printer can effectively "print out" it's own component parts. The comment on the next wave of copyright laws for digital modelling infringements may be very prescient.

[mduell]

How is it going to become cheaper than mass production? Or higher speed/volume?

[The Godfather]

By hiring Cheap labor to work the RepRaps, while dedicating 50% of the printers to replicate themselves, until the number of printers matches the number of Mexicans.

[Mithras]

mduell: Same as printing at home vs a printing plant -- it isn't cheaper or higher speed/volume. But it's a lot easier.

I used to work with one of the MakerBot (RepRap descendant) guys. They're a great bunch of geeks.