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Why we didn't have 3d printers before?
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c64:
There is nothing complicated in the construction of a cheap 3d printer. Electronics is simple as well. We could already make them easily in the late 80s. Why?
Domagoj T:
I would guess that's because industry doesn't need machines to be cheap. Making cheap machines is interesting if your target market are individuals who have a bit of extra cash and are willing to spend some on a toy and not a tool intended to make money.
Furthermore, 3D printing requires a computer model and 3D softwares were not very common back then, especially in home computers that would struggle to handle any sort of 3D objects anyway, let alone high polygon ones you need in the end.
It could also be down to CNC tech being patented in late 50's, so there was additional cost until the patents expired.
beanflying:
Some of it has to do with patents and enforcement/threats from Stratasys and others along the way with FDM in particular limiting options to manufacturers to make printers. Some of these patents I think are still current but most should have now expired.

There is also some other more recent roadblocks along the way with Makerbot didn't help https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MakerBot#Controversies Makerbot are now owned by Stratasys  :palm:

This is in part why none of my designs go on thingiverse who is owned by Makerbot :horse:
Cyberdragon:
3D printing was invented in 1983.

https://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-history/
donotdespisethesnake:

--- Quote from: c64 on February 15, 2020, 08:00:36 am ---There is nothing complicated in the construction of a cheap 3d printer. Electronics is simple as well. We could already make them easily in the late 80s. Why?

--- End quote ---

I remember the 80s, I was there :) Contrary to what you say, back then the "electronics" was either not cheap or not powerful enough. Cheap MCUs like AVR and PIC didn't appear until about 1996.

More important though, was implementing idea of cheap "self replicating" 3d printers, which was really the brainchild of Adrian Bowyer.  Simply put, no one had the idea before then and was able to put it into practice.
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