RE: My 1K RP machine????

From: Bathsheba Grossman (sheba@bathsheba.com)
Date: Wed Apr 05 2000 - 00:13:18 EEST


On Tue, 4 Apr 2000 KDenton@williams-int.com wrote:
> Several years ago when desktop modelers or concept modelers were being
> talked about it was the idea that if they were at a specific price point and
> "friendly" enough that companies would be buying them to put along side
> every plotter or next to each departments printer. Well we have seen the
> price for these machines drop below $100K and even below $50k and the sales
> just aren't there. The question is why? Is the price point still to high?

I would think that to be obvious: you won't get any reading at all on
general-public demand until it drops below $5,000. Only then will the
competition on materials, file formats, and other properties begin.

> The quote from Mr. Rudgley I my humble opinion was nothing more then thought
> provoking comments on the possibilities of our industry. I have noticed
> that this list is obsessive about precisely how and when labels are used!
> The words "fax machine" were used in comparing our industry to the TV
> commercial that aired during the super bowl about UPS delivery service. Not
> that 3D was working on such a machine (not that I know anything!).

I apologize for having commented without being aware of the full
context of the quotation.

> We have monumental problems with file compatibility issues, solid modeling
> issues, materials, safety, service and many other issues that if this
> machine never materialized still need to be resolved. But that does not
> mean that we can't speculate what might be...

Indeed not. I guess I tend to see those glasses as half full, rather
than monumentally problematic. STL files and existing materials are
more or less adequate for me, and I bet I'm pickier than a lot of
people. It's resolution and - above all - price that are the
problems.

-Sheba
Bathsheba Grossman (831) 429-8224
Digital Sculpture http://www.bathsheba.com

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