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Monday, June 9, 2014

3D Printers Change Everything

What will the consumer do with a $349 3D printer in their home? They can make toy Star Wars spaceships,  replacements for Ikea parts, and LEGO minifigures. Of course, there can also be counterfeiting, copyright violations, and trademark infringements. Michael Stone, the author of the article - A 3D Design For Licensing Disruption believes how people react with brands is forever changed. As an example he states 'Kids want some plastic Pokemon toys but you think the ones at the store are over-priced? Print it at home instead.'  He suggests that brands better get ahead of the curve, or they are going to be left behind. Hasbro, Toshiba, and Hershey are cited as forward-thinking companies in the 3D realm. Wouldn't it be cool be print a 3D Elvis in chocolate?