A lot can be said about 3D printing and for a few the notion of 3D printers are classified for those home users and tinkerers around the globe wanting to make their own toys or trinkets and is often dismissed as just another niche that will fade away.
Go to YouTube and search th
e words “3D printer” and you will get a result of about 384,000 videos of companies marketing their 3D printers, owners making car parts, game controllers and even fully functional weapons. Do a Google search for “3D printed art” and you will stand amazed at how beautiful and intricate some of the designs are.
It’s true that the only limitations to 3D printers has got to be the imagination. It allows for users to engage their imagination to produce prototypes, functioning musical instruments, utensils, etc. and even though it is still in its early stages, it is an exciting prospect that will surely be a step in the right direction.
Currently the only problem might be the costs involved in owning a 3D printing. The latest entry level 3D printer could set you back about R 23, 300.00 including VAT with a 12-month warranty and R 21, 500.00 including VAT with the standard 6-month warranty and prices are changing steadily with the rate of exchange. Adding to this, is the cost of the filament which ranges from about R 368.00 for 250g and up to R 2 296.88 for 0.9kg per color.
3D printing doesn’t stop at desktop level as there is now also a 3D printing pens that allow you to draw in 3D, but is currently not available in South Africa.
Trink… We lead the way
