26th
Will 2012 be the breakout year for 3D printing?
So far 3D printing has been having a awesome year.
January 9th MakerBot unveiled thier new 3D printer, the Replicator, which I think for the first time allows the home user to access a “real” 3D printer. The first MakerBot which we use all of the time called the Thing-O-Matic is fun but definitely is a geek kit. I already put in my order for the Replicator which should be delivered in late February. Will put up a review once I get it but from the ones I saw running at CES it is awesome.
January 10th Shapeways put out a awesome report A Portal into the Future: 2011 in Review, and What’s to Come, detailing how their 3D printing business is starting to show some real numbers. If the can keep up the growth rate they are going to be a big business very soon.
Yesterday the PirateBay, known for less noble activities, decided to put up a area for 3D print plans. The easier access to designs should help drive more interest from both the creators and consumers of these pieces.
While it will take time for the market to catch up to the innovation as it always does, it appears that 2012 might be the year when we look back that 3D printing started to become something more important then a way for geeks to print trinkets just because they could…
