I was clicking through channels and saw a bit on 3d printing, namely a company named 'Makerbot'. I hadn't realized that the technology had progressed that far. For those unfamiliar with the concept - a 3d printer is essentially the same as a 2D printer...you put in your design and then you can print whatever it is you need, as many copies of it that you need.
well so what - that's what I hear you saying...but consider this: a 3D printer can make small to medium sized objects. cranking out a ton of miniatures via open source design would be childs play. once you got the 3D design hammered into shape, it's just push a button and BAM! all those expensive pre-painted minis you see in the Paizo online store are suddenly yours to use/abuse as you will. Same for Warmachine, Warhammer 40k, or anyone else you can think of who makes/sells models for RPG and/or any sort of tabletop game.
interesting idea...but I wonder if anyone has fully explored the implications of 3D printing?
Reaperbryan briefly touched on this topic here.
good to know.
hmm...so the tech isn't QUITE there yet...but then, with technology and development always on an upward curve at some point the technology and price point WILL hit the 'sweet spot'. I wonder how that will affect the gamer industry? it could potentially keep costs low and spur development (custom minis/limited edition and rapid prototyping come to mind).
I just find it a fascinating concept.
It's going to affect a whole helluva lot more than gaming I think.
It's going to affect a whole helluva lot more than gaming I think.
well yeah, but we're not quite there yet. I looked up the price of one of the smaller DIY units and even with the cheaper models its still a hefty whack of $1200 or so.
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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100 RepRaps for $475 each at the minute...
http://www.indiegogo.com/eMAKER-Huxley-3D-printer-kits
I don't see the point at all.
I reckon the point is printing minis of yourself in heroic poses.
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I don't see the point at all.I reckon the point is printing minis of yourself in heroic poses.
Oooo! Do one with a Sword...with a Sword!
its barely distinguishable as a product right now but one day they will be able to do this with metal and the details will be of such a high resolution that it will be awesome.
I saw something on National Geographic's "Known Universe" that was more of a 3D copier. This device used a kind of special powder to recreate a scanned object to is near as perfect copy of the original. The show has about 3 or 4 guest scientists who go into different aspects of the topic for the week. The scientist that did the 3D copier brought with him a 16" or 18" adjustable wrench to copy. (Think of a wrench that the engineers of the original Star Trek used. Big honking, metal wrenches!)
The original wrench was first scanned into the computer. Then the jaw and the spiral part that adjusted the jaw were to be colored red in the duplicate. After several minutes the copy was pulled out of a tray of this special powder...red parts and all! But the real kicker was that the parts that were movable were in place and operational when it was created and the jaw could be moved AND the copy wrench was as functional as the original!! The shows scientist demonstrated its use by tightening a bolt. The purpose of this copier is so that parts that are lost or broken can be created in space and not have to be replaced from Earth. This gizmo is looking to make it to the International Space Station.
Just think of the possibilities that could have on gaming (and just about any other aspect of life) should it eventually become available and affordable to the general public?! It would be just like having your very own pattern replicator!!
Can't wait for the day you can download the PDF for an AP and then download a file to create the figurines on your own home 3-d printer.
Was thinking of inanimate objects...wasn't really expecting living figurines...that would be really messy.
Harmor can you get one of these?
3D Printer, if you can print a wrench, you can print a dungeon!
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Harmor can you get one of these?
3D Printer, if you can print a wrench, you can print a dungeon!
*jaw drops*
Seriously thinking about it...
iModela 3D Milling Machine create tiny figurines for the low low price of $1,000.
Give it a couple of more years.