I was thinking about this question today as someone used our work printer for some personal stuff.
As for me, I am printing little things that I would say make it worth it. I’ve printed lens adapters for my camera for example. That’s worth a good 14 to 30 bucks per print. My most favorite photo was with an adapted lens that came from a projector. I also printed IEMs and those things are worth it. Listening to music is second to none on those things. Plus I printed the same shell but for ear protection and again the fit is perfect and sure there’s post processing to get smooth surfaces but in the end it looks like a professional made it. So I think 3d printers are worth it.
Buying a 3d printer and learning CAD is unlocking a super power. You can put something from your brain into the real world. It’s great for hyper specific parts.
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That was blowing my mind the first time I printed a prototype. Still kinda does.
That and sharing models is great. Like I can literally download a physical object. Sure the printing is an extra step, but that’s still amazing to me 10 years after firing up my first printer.
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Yea I know, it’s great.
I didn’t because I didn’t need one, but printing bridging features in zero-G must be something else.
Resin printing in space would be such a mess though.