We often write of new applications of 3D printing. Most of the time new applications seem to fall into one of two categories:
- Faster turnaround time by printing onsite or via 3D printing service than using conventional hand-crafted designs
- Producing numerous unique items, where previously only a limited number were possible
It’s the latter point we’re interested in today. We see this as an emerging area for innovation leveraging 3D printing. Most recently we saw the makers of Coraline use this approach to revolutionize their stop-motion video process. We suspect there are a great many scenarios like this that we haven’t yet realized will benefit from 3D printing.
But now we ask readers if they have ideas for other situations like this. Where could one use large quantities of unique items? Please drop a comment below with your ideas!
I think a kind of lego/mechano variant might be a good idea.
Although it’s a little daft in some ways to build a physical system with limited modular parts when you can build any part-shape you like, having a limited set of parts does kindof give you something to play with.
Simple stick together stuff in other words… especially if the simple stick together stuff can also be used to make repraps.
False teeth while you wait!