Is it all starting to make sense?

As I wrote my post last week on 3D Systems’ latest acquisition (Freedom of Creation - FoC), the shock factor was still in play as I pounded this keyboard. There was a marked difference in this genre of company to 3D Systems’ other acquisitions and corporate announcements.

Now the dust has settled somewhat, even taking into account that there have been four more announcements to process from the company since. None of these four are acquisitions, rather they include a distribution agreement with Voxeljet, the move of stock to the NYSE, a partnership agreement with 3D CAD company Alibre and the resulting bundle of products. From this, and some digging around the online news room on 3D Systems’ website I believe I am starting to understand the overall strategy.

Throughout last year as the acquisitions mounted, apart from the question of funding and how deep those pockets must be, I kept asking myself how the strategy would play out and how would it all fit together. A logistical nightmare even for the most organized of companies there would have to be some standardisation and some form of quality control implemented to bring all of these companies together under the same brand.  

The internal workings of 3D Systems have perplexed me for a long (long, long, long) time, and I don’t pretend to have the answers now. However, for years I have advocated a holistic approach to product development — stating that no one technology could be the silver bullet, and that an integrated approach with 3D software, 3D output and a positive culture was the way forward.

From everything that we are seeing, it seems to me that this is precisely the mantra that 3D Systems has bought into and is pursuing aggressively. The company took this live at the end of last year with a subtle change in its public profile, because somewhere between the 2^nd December 2010 and 6^th December 2010 the company went from labeling itself as  “a leading provider of 3D printing, Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing systems and parts solutions”; to “a leading provider of 3D content-to-print solutions.”

From its core competency of developing additive systems I believe the strategy is to build a portfolio of products AND services that covers every single angle of the market that is springing up around 3D printing and positioning itself as the go-to company for the sector and the world at large. And they have to do this BEFORE all the patents expire. It’s a medium term strategy and the likes of me; among many, many others; are helping with the marketing and google rankings.

It’s a strategy that is not without risk, the source of funding has not been established and the logistics are yet to be ironed out, but the shares are doing ok. But if it comes to fruition the payoff will be huge because 3D printing is going to be huge.

3D Systems is at it again, 2nd time this week.

After a 10 day break over Easter I have had a monster couple of weeks, working silly hours and the blog has, unfortunately, been low down on the list of priorities to fulfil.

Anyway, woes aside, it has been pretty easy to follow the comings and goings with twitter etc. And much tweeting has been dedicated to the antics of 3D Systems. Over the last two years, this Additive Manufacturing company has seriously upped its game — acquiring competitive and related companies left, right and centre. So much so, that it has almost become a joke between many of the commentators focused on this space. But the latest acquisition, announced earlier today by Deelip Menzies, whose own companies were recently acquired by 3DS, was not one that could have been predicted easily. Shock is reverberating all round.

3D Systems has now acquired Freedom of Creation. A company synonymous with depicting the capabilities of additive manufacturing by way of a gallery of high-end (and very expensive) products manufactured with AM processes. The products from FoC are invariably inspirational, aspirational and, quite simply, gorgeous.

I can easily see the gains from 3D Systems' side by bringing this brand into its fold, what I am struggling with is what on earth were Janne et al thinking? Probably money. Personally, I'm not convinced it will help the brand, but then, I've been wrong before - happy to admit it.

And ....

From my knowledge of FoC, I'm pretty certain that selective laser sintering (EOS) is (or rather, was) their preferred process. I wonder if this motivated 3D Systems in any way?

Quality Resin Parts from a Self-Build 3D Printer

The issues and the debates that surround the 3D printing domain are interesting — and important — but it is fundamentally exciting when a new development emerges, in terms of the capabilities of the tech, that really push the technology closer to mainstream adoption. When that development is part quality on a machine that is destined to be in the self-build, possibly open source, lower-end of the market it makes the wow factor even sweeter.

Junior Veloso, whose blog depicting his development of a new resin-based 3D printer can be found here: http://3dhomemade.blogspot.com, has most recently posted his results using imagery that is startling. The noteworthy results illustrate parts that are built with 50 micron accuracy on a machine that will compete with RepRap, Makerbot and BfB, all deposition machines.

Judging by the comments on his posts, Mr Veloso has a flourishing number of followers, with most offering enthusiastic support. A minority, however, proffer cynicism, which, in my opinion, is disappointing but unsurprising.

The aim is to get this project sponsored through Kickstarter following planned improvements, which Junior documents in his March 31st post.

This is one to watch and I wish Junior every success as he brings this project to fulfillment.

3D Printing — 'IP'so Facto the Lawyers are Arriving

Competition has always been strong between the additive machine manufacturers and for many years patent infringements on technology rights have been submitted and challenged in various courts of law. These have been noteworthy, up to a certain point, in terms of monitoring technology development and market dynamics and, sadly, it is an inherent part of any technology sector.

However, as additive manufacturing and 3D printing continue to grow in popularity as a means of production, a more compelling angle on the legalities of intellectual property (IP) is emerging. 

The twitter-sphere is awash with the news that conflict has arisen within the 3D Printing world over rights to IP pertaining to a 3D design made available online for 3D printing. The full story is documented well by Peter Hanna, here: http://goo.gl/fb/8C1xS.  The problem seems to have been resolved with minimal pain but one can't help but think this is just the beginning. Furthermore, the feral nature of the legal profession (it won't take long for the $$ signs to light up their eyes) will not aid online 3D printing organisations, who will need to take serious measures to avoid being taken down by threats of real (or perceived) IP infringement. In real terms, this will increase the costs for the supplier and, therefore, the purchaser of 3D printed goods. You only need to consider your motor insurance premiums to see how that particular scenario can play out. 

Protecting intellectual property is important, I am not dismissing the issue in any way, but it will be a precarious balancing act for burgeoning organisations, which could well inflict limitations on how the market develops. 

A Perfect Storm is Required for 3D Printing to go Mainstream - The Wind is Picking Up

Ok, so we have been here before, many times. Talking about what needs to happen for 3D Printing to "go viral" to use the term that is currently on trend. 

And before you question this post going over old ground, I'll tell you why I am cogitating on this. It seems the debate has subtly moved on from the "will it/won't it happen" discourse, where two clearly and strongly argued points of view were professed. Essentially, the "Aye's" seem to have it, because the general assumption now is that it will happen, but the debate centres around how and when. It is the 'how' question that throws up many different angles, which all need to come together at the same time to create the 'perfect storm' referenced in the title of this post.

Also, it should be noted, there are still a number of full-on dissenters out there, but their voices are receding and they are in a minority. 

So on to how and when. 

How will 3D printing penetrate everyday life? Many of the machine vendors and their allies are still pushing for '3D Printers in every home'. Obviously they have an ulterior motive here, because if/when demand like this does materialise, volumes of sales and their bottom lines will shoot through the roof. Realistically, IMHO, I think that 3D printers in many homes is entirely feasible (it will never be every home) — but this is no where near imminent. I think that I have said it here before, it probably will not happen in my lifetime. 

Before it can happen though, people have to want it, they have to understand it, and, more importantly, they have to want to understand it because they believe that they "need" it. Beyond the 3D printing itself, we really do have to take a step back — in the process that is. How many people, in general, can design in 3D? Proportionally, very few indeed. Based on the fact that 3D designs are the prerequisite for any 3D printer; education and ‘desire’ has to start here. Until there is a profusion of 3D designs, for which the designers (for designers read anyone) require an output, things will not move forward any quicker than they are now. As an analogy think about computers and 2D printers. 30-40 years ago computers were emerging as workplace tools for a few companies, the numbers increasing exponentially with time. Moreover, 2D printers did not become "must have's" until computers did. As the number of people that were familiar with computers and different software programmes in their workplace grew, this was mirrored by the uptake of computers — and printers — for personal use. I don’t know the precise figures, but I imagine the recreational use of computers is at least as great as their commercial use today. I believe a similar path will be traversed with 3D printing. But until lots of people can — and want to — design and create in 3D there will be absolutely no requirement for 3D printers in large volumes.

But that still leaves us with the philosophy of the killer app [Post of 18/1/10] — the first application of 3D printing that provides the reason to want to have it locally. New applications seem to push out a little further into mainstream consciousness each time, but nothing has emerged to date that has blown it out of the water. 

There is a growing argument, one that I back 100%, that the best way to get 3D printing into the mainstream is to start with schools. Get 3D design software and 3D printers into every school and college. The kids will eagerly learn to understand it, they will subsequently want it and one of them will probably come up with the killer app to finally bring on the perfect storm.

However.

There is also another school of thought, the other side of the 'how' debate, which advocates the internet as the medium by which 3D printed objects will become mainstream — my old boss is on this side of the argument, and I am sure he won't mind me quoting him! You can have it in his own words, rather than me paraphrasing.

Duncan Wood, Rapid News Communications: 

"I think that the idea of a printer in every home is never going to happen ....... What I think will happen is that every home will have access to 3DP/AM via the online space, just as soon as every home gets the internet, then we'll see an explosion in 3D printing use. Choosing unique customised parts, gifts and designs will be the way people access it, choosing from the range of technologies available, not just the cheapest one they can afford to purchase out of their own pocket." 

Now, I don't dispute this as a growing and potentially huge application for 3D Printing, particularly if you take this a step further and consider the additional possibilities offered by replacement products and parts (eg dishwasher parts, kettles, toasters and so on). But, IMO, this will be an interim measure, a solution that will grow in it’s own right as a precursor to the perfect storm when 3D printers will become a common commodity.

"It's Not Technology - It's what you do with it."

Love this ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTbzSiwbRfg

Follow little Dot's little adventure!

It takes me back in time, because it's exactly the type of thing I watched as a small child. The irony being, that this would have been impossible 30+ years ago. The models of Dot were made on a 3D printer — I know which one, but not sure if it's common knowledge yet, so going to err on the side of caution, because hopefully I will be writing it up as and when marketing rights are in play :-)

It's a strange mix though, nostalgia and awe!

My Life Begins Tomorrow — Allegedly!

However, if one more person tells me that is so and/or that "40 is the new 30" then a screaming episode may not be out of the question.

40 is 40, 30 was 30 and 18 was 18!! Incidentally, Robbie had it so right, youth is TOTALLY wasted on the young.

Truthfully, I actually do not feel the need for my life to begin — or change in any way — my sincere hope and prayer is that it will continue as is, with a healthy balance of joy and angst, and even those "nothingy" days when little happens except life in general.

I cannot deny that there is a degree of trepidation, mostly prompted by questions along the lines of; "Mum, what's it like to be old?" The answer to which was; "I'll let you know when I am."

This satisfied me, not so much my six year old son who has not held back on voicing his conviction that 40 is positively geriatric. I don't blame him of course, as I am not quite so old that I have forgotten memories of similar sentiments at an early age also.

I would like to think that I am approaching the aging process in much the same way as my own mum — a much respected and appreciated role model of mine — with grace and elegance, an appropriate sense of style and minimal intervention (just a great dentist and hairdresser).

I get that this is a milestone, but it is one that, if I was the only person in my life, I would happily and quietly let pass by without fuss. Fortunately, I am NOT the only person in my life, and THEY want the occasion to be suitably marked.

And so it will be — party on!