Who fancies designing some #3Dprinting parts for @General_Electric ?
http://www.prsnlz.me/industry-news/ge-get-serious-about-3d-printing/
It’s a novel concept but very narrow in their approach. I’d think they would get better participation and more crowdsourced ideation if they went after something a little less “specific”. Hangers for a jet engine for $1,000. That’s not going to drive “indie” engineering firms and it’s too specific without some major backing. I would have recommended a collaboration with Autodesk to push their agenda. Most of us don’t have access to the vibration tools necessary to know if our design is relevant or even what kind of engine we’re connecting. Great idea, poor execution.
Valid points Chris, but it is still interesting to see such a huge conglomerate dip their toe into the 3D printing water. Though I think it is, as you say, aimed more at the firms already in that industry it is good to see them opening up the process and trying to inspire a different approach to that specific part of the engine.
I agree. I think GE has very much embraced the Maker movement, as evidenced by their opening up patents on Quirky and sponsoring the open hardware innovation workshop with Make magazine. Their interest is real and I want them to have success in their endeavors. They deserve it.