Next time, when somebody asks you about real usage of 3D printer 
(prototypes of aluminium window frames) #Prusa3D #i3MK2
3D printers are seen as toys for geeks, however in few months/years it will be different story.
The reason people donāt see the real use cases for 3D printers, is IMHO because most examples given, eg here, are of test prints, decorative dust catchers like vases and figurines. Iād love to see more useful prints posted here.
Great prints, Jakub. Good advertisement for a Prusa.
So what if it is a toy? Toy or tool is really in the hands of the user. The same machine can even be both for a given user. Iāve done engineering prototypes, low volume production parts and idle tchotchkes. I only tend to show off the latter because I generally shouldnāt post photographs of parts.
OK, I rest my case. You make both engineering parts and toys, but only post pictures of the toys. What do people assume from that?
I donāt think too many people in an engineering or R&D environment debate the usefulness of a 3D printer. We use ours for prototyping, fixtures, and even some low volume parts that donāt need to be super strong.
I do think it is silly to think that a 3D printer makes sense in EVERY home. Some people donāt even have paper printers let alone computers. (I am still trying to convince myself and my wife that we need one)
I think the day will come when every Kinkos has a 3D printer. Following that, we might see 3D printers in Walmart next to the photo department.
And yes, those are going to be some sexy extrusions when they grow up.
+Ken Wagnitz You seem a bit negative to my explanation, but Iām not up for being guilted into contributing what I shouldnāt. I guess people are free to jump to whatever conclusion they want re: usefulness of 3d printing. There isnāt a shortage of useful examples, though when it comes down to it, the ākiller appā for consumer 3D printing hasnāt shown itself yet. Itās still in the enthusiastās domain for the short term.
It does seem to be an odd situation of trying to prove the usefulness of a hobby. I wonder if people are trying to follow the personal computer track into ubiquity. People in the R/C hobbies donāt seem compelled to argue the usefulness of their things, itās a hobby. Quadcopters just are, some people can make cinematic video with them but otherwise itās just a fun hobby for most operators.
Consumer 3D printing hasnāt found a place yet. But in the industry it is booming.
Itās a shame I cannot share the images Iāve seen from a major car manufacturer. They are using printers at their manufacturing plants now. No parts go into the cars, but they are using them to create tooling, which not only provides them with cheaper tools. It also allows them to iterate on the design faster, providing better tools, reducing not just errors, but also reduces strain on the people using the tools. Causing a reduction in the amount of sick leave.
But, yes, 3D printing is just a toy 