Might be the End of an era.

[OldManModeler]

With computer aided design (CAD) software; One can design and build small parts all day long. In their garage.

With the progression of 3D printers within the average home; What we can design is amazing. At home, in our garage.

Common injection molding companies (the model companies that we buy kits from): May become a thing of the past. I think that most plastic model manufacturers are still stagnant in the dark ages.... (40years ago}. Resting on their laurels. Something is coming. No, it is here.

All of your thoughts, input and comments, Is my absolute intent.

Please advise.

Be well. Model on.

Eric

 

[myhobbyroom]

I think it is practical to be able to print a specific tank, truck ,car, plane, ship kit , in your favorite scale. You may wait your whole life time and never see the " kit you always wanted " ever made. I am glad to have been able to purchase a 3d printed Ken Block mustang and truck kit . Maybe the model companies could start selling 3d printing programs to model builders?

 

[BarleyBop]

Yup, I was introduced to 'laser lithography' in the early 90s in my professional life. Now, 3D printing is as ubiquitous as tattoos!

I look at it as yet another tool...

However, if you are old enough to have fashioned objects with simple tools and scratch materials, there just seems to be a level of indirection with CAD and printing 'auto-tune' algorithms that is missing that visceral "with my own hands" satisfaction.

I get the design part, the 'build of your dreams' part, the convenience part, and the 'democratization' of plastic model production part.

Won't it be wonderful when I can just say "Siri, print a two tone 57 Buick, in 1:26 scale, as it appeared in the second half of it's production run, the one my great uncle Joe lost his finger on attaching the front left fender."

Voila!