How long before we can have a 3D Printer in out house?.?

Question

How many years will it be before the average income American Citizen can have a 3D Printer/Rapid Prototyper in his/her home that will be able to download the blue prints and create almost anything like clothing, shoes, kitchens utensils, engine parts, working clocks, guns?.

2030?.

Answer 1

I'm going to assume your title was supposed to read "OUR house" and not "OUT house" because I cannot think of any applications a 3D printer would have in a bathroom...



But the future is NOW! There are plenty of inexpensive printers on the market RIGHT NOW that the average American can, and do, own TODAY!

...as long as you have knowledge in 3D CAD programs and computers, that is.



But if you mean for the printer to just KNOW how to print something by you pressing a button or telling it, I'd say give it a few years. There's a lot of ready-to-print files floating around the net right now, it's just a matter of downloading, importing, and printing. But once there's MILLIONS of files and the settings of all printers are near universal and perfected, it'll be a matter of time...

Answer 2

Today is that day Ralph. You can buy one easily for less than $500 and most people will spend that buying a computer. It might not be the best 3d printer but you as an average American Citizen could have one.



Now, the only question is would you want to?

Answer 3

Actually Fred some factories use printers to print metal objects. I saw it on tv. They use metal in powder form that is then printed in layers. They can make doorknobs, metal statues and so on. They use metal printers because the shape of these objects are to difficult to do by using the traditional method of using molds. They have much more elaborate designs and shapes.

Answer 4

Easy 3D Animation Software : http://3dAnimationCartoons.com/?XKTC

Answer 5

Considering that you can actually build one for around $500, i would assume not long.

Answer 6

Considering they only work with plastics you are unlikely to ever make engine parts with them.

Answer 7

...you forgot bionic limbs