Quote:
Originally Posted by dataway
I just watched a presentation for MarkForged, a relative newcomer in metal 3d, but long time in other materials. They have one of the laser/sintering oven type system they are marketing for $125-150K. All I have to do is sell 20,000 hose adapters  |
That tech is really interesting to me. I'll go look. $150K is actually less than I might have guessed if it has an atmosphere or vacuum sintering oven. And I suspect you could easily sell 20,000 hose adapters but you might keep that printer a little busy..
I did look at videos for the HP Jet Fusion system. I'm sure there are "contract manufacturing job shops" developing profitable markets for those machines as the cost of entry must be daunting. It is truly impressive but I was surprised at all the "accessory" equipment needed to use it - coolers, carts, racks, vacuums, shakers... wow. It reminded me of the dinosaur days of high-end system printers back in the 70s.
Speaking of 3D printing, cosmetic companies seem to be embracing the opportunity. I heard a system for printing eyebrows was marketed at the recent Consumer Electronic Show. The benefit is software to preview the designs on your face, get the color you want, print it, then wipe them off and start over the next day. The printer must be handheld and I'll bet the "ink" will be quite precious. When I can print hair, I'll have to change my user name from Shiny to Harry...