3D Printers: gadgets or machine-tools?

3D printing had its early proponents, the pioneers of PLA. You must have met some of these extrusion aficionados and other enthusiasts. It’s difficult to stop them talking about the variations of filaments and the subtleties of slicing.

Misuse of technology or marvel of technology?

3D printing certainly also has its detractors, unimpressed by this debauchery of plastic. I’m not one of them, but I cannot deny that I’ve long had doubts, even reluctance, about 3D printing. How about you?

As the years passed, and especially since the Elektor shop started offering 3D printers, my initial lack of interest has turned into admiration. And not only for the spectacular prints made by professional 3D printers, but just as much for the extraordinary ingenuity or the Maker community, and for the fruits of their efforts which they have shared.

13 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Started

This is why I offer you this week for the Elektor TV series, a video in which the author explains his long-held disdain for 3D printers. Today, in a well-filled ¼ hour, Marius Homberger shows off several items, modest in appearance, which he uses in his carpentry workshop or on his metal lathe. Nothing extraordinary at first sight, but a nice collection of various accessories, all remarkably effective. And such care taken in their making!
 
One cannot doubt that the apparent ease of this demonstration was only attained at the price of innumerable hours of experimentation. That’s why I offer as a bonus, a second video whose title renders any further commentary superfluous:
3D Printing: 13 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Started . Quite a show.