Consumers Not Impressed With 3D Printing

Lucas123 (935744) writes "Putting a 3D printer beside the coffee maker in every home, as some manufacturers hope will happen someday, is a long ways from reality as consumers today still don't understand how the technology will benefit them, according to a new study. The study, by Juniper Research, states that part of the problem is that killer applications with the appropriate eco-system of software, apps and materials have yet to be identified and communicated to potential users. And, even though HP has announced its intention to enter the 3D printing space (possibly this fall) a massive, mainstream corporation isn't likely to change the market."

Re:Perhaps

[Shakrai]

if they could create a 2D printer that wasn't a crotchety piece of shit

There are dozens of different quality printers on the market today. They just cost more than the $30 people are willing to pay for an inkjet printer from Wally World.

Re:Perhaps

[gstoddart]

if they could create a 2D printer that wasn't a crotchety piece of shit, then people would be more excited.

My Brother laser printers are anything but crotchety pieces of shit.

Maybe you're just buying crappy printers?

Re:Premature much

[Ralph Wiggam]

If you want a custom latex dildo, there are already kits for that.

It's not for consumers right now

[RobinH]

Anyone who has used a 3D printer (I have a RepRap style one) knows that the killer app is rapid prototyping. Lots of people already use 3D printers to print out prototypes of parts to test them out or focus group them before sending them to production. You pretty much *have* to be a designer to be able to make use of a 3D printer right now, and I'm sorry but 3D CAD software has come a long way but it's too expensive and complicated for a home user. You'd need to come up with a Tony Stark-like CAD system for under $100 before it'll be ready for home use. Meanwhile, those of us who know our way around a CAD program are quite happy with our 3D printers, thank you very much.