Novedge Pulse™ — Bob McNeel

MakerBot just announced their new Replicator 2 desktop 3-D printer. It is 37% bigger and more accurate—100 microns per inch. (One micron is about the thickness of a sheet of paper).We have been watching 3-D printing technology evolve for the last 15-20 years. Every year there are major advances but until now it hasn't quite gotten there yet. That is to say, when will desktop 3-D printing start doing for product design what 2-D desktop printing does for graphics design?So, are we there yet?Our check list: CostPurchase price under $3,000: YesSupplies: Close enoughAccuracy: Good enough for most applicationsSpeed: MaybeDurability: Too early to tellEase of use: This could be a software problem. If it is not easy enough for most Rhino users, it is likely our fault.So the answer is: Yes, we are nearly there.We are expecting that most of you (750,000+ designers) don't have a 3-D printer yet and will buy one in the coming year. And you will replace it within two years or less with something more amazing [more...]