Galt's Gulch

Disruptive Technologies: 3D printing

Posted by $ blarman 10 years, 2 months ago to Business
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The one thing they don't really get into is the cost and differentiation in all the different types of 3D printers, but I thought they did a pretty good job of outlining the affected industries.
SOURCE URL: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/10-industries-3d-printing-will-disrupt-or-decimate/#ftag=RSS56d97e7

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  • Posted by fivedollargold 10 years, 2 months ago
    When $5Au first saw one of these things a few years ago, he mistakenly thought it could be used with only one construction material. When he realized his error, he immediately bought a basket of 3D printing and related stocks. $5Au is pleased with the results.
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    • Posted by fivedollargold 10 years, 2 months ago
      Here are the ticker symbols of my purchases. Use at your OWN risk. DDD, SSYS, PRLB, ADSK, ANSS, EXA, PTC, FARO. Since my purchase these stocks have returned 43.8% compared to the S&P 500 which increased 24.5% during this time. (About a year.)
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  • Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 2 months ago
    There is too much inefficiency in this technology to ever be mainstream production.
    It is a fantastic capability, and improving all the time.
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  • Posted by dbhalling 10 years, 2 months ago
    3D printing has the potential to completely change the way manufacturing and distribution are done. But there is a long way from where we are to that possibility. I remember back in 1993 working on inventions like this that were made of thin layers or plastic or other materials laminated (sort of a lesson 3D calculus). Since then there have been a number of improvements including the laser set plastics. The main application so far has been for rapid prototyping not manufacturing. I know of only one small company that uses 3D printing for manufacturing. This area needs a killer app.
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    • Posted by $ blarman 10 years, 2 months ago
      What about a "storefront" or local shop that one could order from? For commodity items, they might have a common blueprint in stock to start from. For special-order items, you would submit the blueprint and get a quote. Basically you'd be creating a custom manufacturing shop.

      Here's what I see about this concept. First of all, you won't be dealing in the high-volume items. There are much cheaper to build a mold for. The special thing is that you bring extreme customization. You're going to have to ship the materials, so there are only going to be modest savings - probably eaten up by the material warehousing costs.

      A couple of ideas: custom-made bicycles. No more messing with seat positions. Accommodation for all sizes of people. Custom gear ratios. Perfect fit. Even personalization such as name or design to deter theft. Definitely not your $150 Wal-Mart special.

      Someone has already mentioned firearms, but it bears a second mention.

      I'm sure there are lots of other ideas as well where the customization becomes your differentiation factor and primary value. I think materials and shipping are going to be a pretty hard sell to investors, IMHO.
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      • Posted by dbhalling 10 years, 2 months ago
        There are already a number of storefronts for prototyping/small runs. But there are size limitations and usually the part is not a strong as if it was molded. I don't think you could make a bicycle that was strong enough or cost effective.
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  • Posted by gonzo309 10 years, 2 months ago
    At the computer and electronics show in Las Vegas, the supposedly had printers as low as $499. It's a disruptive technology because government can't control the printing aspect so you can print virtually anything if you have the blueprints. That's what happened to the 3D printed weapons, the blueprints were banned for distribution. I found YouTube videos on how to build your own 3D printer. The genie is out of the bottle!

    As another aspect, I've gotten quite a few emails through the advisory services on investing in some of these companies although you run the risk it will be commoditized and cheapened.
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