We know from this class that 3-D printers can be incredibly useful tools for prototyping and direct digital manufacturing for engineers and scientists. The costs savings are generally 90-99% as compared to commercial products.[1][2] Are 3-D printers useful for everyday consumers?
A few Michigan Tech studies have shown that 3-D printers are cost effective for consumers if they print 1 product a week. [3] [4]
What about killer applications? Are there free 3-D printable designs for products that make a 3-D printer immediately worth purchasing even if only to print out a handful of these products?
Killer Applications of 3-D Printing for Consumers[edit | edit source]
Please list [URL of design Name of object], cost, [url of commercial equivalent], sign/date with 4 tilde symbols
- Compound Bow Balancer, $290 [5] Joshua Pearce (talk) 19:09, 5 November 2019 (UTC)
- Honeycomb Vase, $65 for something not as cool/asthetic [6] Daniel Donovan (talk) 1:35, 13 November 2019 (UTC) Liked the idea of printing modern looking decor for not expensive prices.
- Air Exchanger/Heat Recovery Ventilator, $600+ for commercial HRV [7] Dan Brinks (talk) 17:24, 14 November 2019 (UTC)
- Mechanical Caliper, $30 [8] Luke Carstens Lacarste (talk) 19:12, 14 November 2019 (UTC)
- Custom Orthotics, $300 [9] Kaalessi (talk) 21:24, 14 November 2019 (UTC) (A tiny amount of work is necessary to cast foot and create custom model, instructions are very detailed)
- 3D Printed Chevy LS3 Engine, $8000 for the real thing, this is a model Zsarnold (talk) 06:07, 17 November 2019 (UTC)
- Functional Compound Bow, $170, [10],Brhubbar (talk) 16:43, 17 November 2019 (UTC)
- Camera Gimbal, $369, [11],Teshawar (talk) 21:40, 18 November 2019 (UTC)
- Fly Fishing Reel, $89, [12], Nick Balavich (talk) 20:39, 18 November 2019 (UTC)
- Compressing Coat Hanger,$25 Blgregor (talk) 01:47, 19 November 2019 (UTC)
- Giant Mechanical Laser Show, $22-30 for bearings and laser pen along with 3d printed parts Shubhamrjain (talk) 06:12, 19 November 2019 (UTC)
