Bob,
Yes, this topic has been discussed here before but not lately. There are
a few people that use my term, "fabber," but not a lot. "3D printer" is more
common. I still like "fabber" (short for "digital fabricator") because it is
shorter and simpler and because it sets our technologies off in a whole new
category from printing, and they deserve that. But I'm probably also partial
to it because I originated it. And you are absolutely right that "rapid
prototyping" is an adequate term for some of what these machines do, but
completely inadequate for encompassing their total potential.
I take no offense at your question. I don't care what you call these
machines as long as you buy one or use one or are learning CAD so that you
will able to use one. It always takes some time for mainstream terminology
to shake out. We'll get there.
Best regards,
Marshall Burns
President, Ennex Corporation
Marshall@Ennex.com
Los Angeles, USA, (310) 397-1314
http://www.Ennex.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Cratchit" <bob_cratchit@hotmail.com>
To: <rp-ml@bart.lpt.fi>
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 04:07
Subject: What's in a name........?
> Halo rpml er's
>
> I have been an impartial observer of the so-called rapid prototyping world
> for a couple of years and I am a little confused about the generic names
> that are given to the group of technologies - there doesn't seem to be any
> consistency? If the machines are to gain exceptence in the wider world
> (which I guess that they will?), is it not best to focus on a particular
> name for the group otherwise people will confused. I know I am.
>
> Just as an example - does anyone refer to these machines as 'fabbers'
apart
> from Marshall Burns? (no offence intended, Mr Burns!) It seems to me that
> most people call them 'rapid prototyping machines' or '3D printers' -
> however, isn't 'rapid prototyping' becoming more of a misnomer as the
> machines are increasingly used for process other than mere prototyping?
>
> I guess that this may have discussed before, so apologies in advance.
> Regards
> Bob
>
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2 : Tue Jun 05 2001 - 23:04:42 EEST