3D printing will explode in 2014 thanks to the expiration of key patents

Re:3D printing will explode in 2014 thanks to the expiration... by dragonwriter on Monday July 22, 2013 @12:04AM (#6081686)

> Who are these middle-class families that have such a need to manufacture their own jewelry and catheters? If you need a catheter, wouldn't you want to talk to a doctor first?

Doctors prescribe catheters, but, as I understand it, you typically get them, once prescribed, from a medical supply house. Print-at-home could be useful in certain situations.

And, of course, people don't need to go to a doctor for anything connected to jewelry.

> A printer good enough to print glass lenses would be useful for some areas of the developing world.

People in the developed world still wear glasses, too, and being able to replace damaged lenses at home would be convenient.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:3D printing will explode in 2014 thanks to the expiration... by anigbrowl on Monday July 22, 2013 @06:32PM (#6086909)

Having once had a catheter installed, it's about the very last thing that I would want to have printed out - I really can't conceive of a worse example. In that situation I'd rather 3d print a bucket and wait for the higher-quality manufactured part to arrive.

[ Parent | on HN ]