• Home
  • Our Books
  • Our Film
  • Games
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Login

Perspectives on all eras of videogames, computers, technology, and pop culture since 2003

Login

Login
Armchair ArcadeArmchair Arcade
Armchair ArcadeArmchair Arcade
  • Home
  • Our Books
  • Our Film
  • Games
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Login

Is the 3D Printing Revolution Already Over?

Is the 3D Printing Revolution Already Over?
Is the 3D Printing Revolution Already Over?

Is the 3D Printing Revolution Already Over?

April 25, 2018 Posted by Bill Loguidice Editorial No Comments
I’ve likened 3D printing and in-home manufacturing in general to the evolution of personal computers in my articles on the subject for various publications and even went so far as to equate what’s happening right now in the 3D printing industry to the Great Videogame Crash/Computer Shakeout of 1984 in a relatively recent tweet lamenting the loss of yet another 3D printer maker. That was in turn followed by my finding out that still another high-profile 3D printer manufacturer stopped producing their printers and is now focused solely on filament (which makes sense, since it’s very good filament).
The typical idyllic 3D printing promotional image from AIO Robotics. The thing is, these machines really are incredible creative and functional tools in the right hands. I'm a fan and participant in this (slow) revolution.

The typical idyllic 3D printing promotional image from AIO Robotics. The thing is, these machines really are incredible creative and functional tools in the right hands. I’m a fan and participant in this (slow) revolution.

I think the big problem with 3D printing – and in-home manufacturing in general, which includes CNC, laser cutting, etc. – is that we’re still at the early days of the technology on a personal level, and, no matter how user-friendly some of this stuff is made – and there have been some great strides in that area – it’s still well beyond what the average person can handle in terms of maintenance and troubleshooting. Once that problem is licked, making these no more troublesome than your average inkjet or laser printer, I do think there will be a real place for this kind of technology in the typical home. As it is, much like personal computers of the late 1970s to mid 1980s, it’s best left for now to enthusiasts who can and want to take the time to learn all the various ins and outs.

Related

Tags: 3d printer3d printingcncetchinglasermakemakermakingrouting
No Comments
Share

About Bill Loguidice

Bill Loguidice is a Founder and Managing Director for Armchair Arcade, as well as a critically acclaimed technology author and journalist.  He is also the co-founder of creative services firm, Armchair Creative Services, and a noted videogame and computer historian and subject matter expert. See full bio

You also might be interested in

ZMorph 2.0 SX
ZMorph 2.0 SX

Initial Setup of the ZMorph 2.0 SX

Sep 18, 2016

After doing the unboxing (and prior first look), my next[...]

Review: Asani PLA 3D Printing Filament
Review: Asani PLA 3D Printing Filament

Review: Asani PLA 3D Printing Filament

Dec 17, 2017

In my ongoing quest to track down the best PLA[...]

PolyLite PLA 3D Printer Filament
PolyLite PLA 3D Printer Filament

Review: PolyLite PLA 3D Printer Filament

Jun 17, 2017

As someone who is always on the look-out for great[...]

Leave a CommentCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recent Posts

  • The Bilestoad (Apple II) versus Crusader (MSX) cover art – It’s a mystery!
  • How Blockchain Is Changing The Way We Watch And Play Sports
  • Casino classic bonus codes 2025
  • AMPOMOV Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Quick Video Review
  • GameSir Unveils X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller with Tri-Mode Connectivity
  • Why are credit card casinos seeing a new resurgence at online casinos?
  • PB Tails Three-Body Problem Droplet Edition Chromeposite Mirror Controller Unboxing Video!
  • Sweepstakes Gaming Software: A Practical Guide For Sportsbook And Casino Operators
  • Free-to-Play Slots and the Return of Risk-Free Gaming Culture
  • Game Library Depth and Provider Diversity at Versailles Casino Focus on What Aussie Players Want

Recent Comments

  • The Evolution of Slot Machines in Casinos – STARGAME on Understanding Online Sportsbooks: Key Features Gamblers Must Know for an Enhanced Experience
  • Sharon Hill on Never before seen Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant WWF photos from 1981!
  • leads dubai on Should You Be Focusing More On Local Marketing?
  • Aiodensghost on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • keyboredom on Quick guide on how to play on the Internet Arcade
  • Bill Loguidice on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Melanie Levenstein on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • George on How to Predict CS:GO/CS2 Skins Prices?
  • Bill Loguidice on Retro Games Ltd to release The Spectrum, fully working ZX Spectrum, and here’s the game list!
  • Derek on Retro Games Ltd to release The Spectrum, fully working ZX Spectrum, and here’s the game list!

Archives

Categories

Explore

android (46) apple (37) ar (39) Arcade (170) Atari (76) atgames (173) book (99) books (98) casino (563) esports (48) firmware (43) Flashback (45) gambling (587) Gaming (41) home arcade (115) htc vive (42) humble bundle (282) humble store (67) ios (37) led (35) legends (40) legends arcade family (46) legends pinball (39) legends ultimate (71) Microsoft (40) Nintendo (72) PC (33) pc gamer (67) pc gaming (53) pinball (43) playstation (55) PS4 (36) retro (34) Sega (38) slots (92) sony (51) steam (145) switch (34) technology (36) update (42) virtual pinball (36) virtual reality (117) vive (34) viveport (42) vr (123)

Affiliates

+ Amazon

The everything store

+ ACEMAGIC

Amazing PC, mini PC, and laptop deals

+ Humble Bundle

Game deals, including name your price bundles

+ Playasia (Play-Asia.com)

Import games and collectibles

+ DJI Store

Amazing drones and related technology

+ Razer

Amazing PC gamer products!

fullSTEAMahead365 Your total news and information resource for all things Science, Technology, Engineering / Mathematics, Art, and Medicine / Health.

Human Advancement Never Stops.

Key Site Statistics

Posts published: 2,675
Latest publish date: August 27, 2025 @ 10:55 am
Registered user count: 99,026

Contact Us

If you have a question, would like to provide feedback, or otherwise wish to get in touch with us, use this form.

Send Message

Blog Posts by Date

April 2018
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  
« Mar   May »

Social Media and RSS

Support Armchair Arcade

All editorial content © 2003 - 2025 Armchair Arcade, Inc., an Armchair Creative Services, LLC, property. All rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. All trademarks and copyrights are retained by their respective owners. No content is to be removed or reused from the Armchair Arcade Website for commercial purposes without explicit permission from the principal Armchair Arcade staff, or the original trademark or copyright holders. Armchair Arcade, Inc., is not responsible for the content of any external sources or links. Further, endorsement of any external sources or links is neither implied nor suggested.

We thank you for your support and encourage you to contact us for any reason, including, but not limited to, questions, concerns, business endeavors, or praise. Especially praise.

Armchair Creative Services, LLC, may earn compensation for sales from links on posts through affiliate and other programs. Editorial rigor and objectivity standards are strictly adhered to and any compensation has no effect on coverage or opinions.

Prev Next