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
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)