The Most Common Misconception About 3D Printing: Why the Entry Barrier to 3D Printing

[Ryter8]

Most people believe that 3D printing is an ultra-complex technology that is only accessible to experts. Learning about 3D modeling software, different printers, and 3D printing materials seems to be really time-consuming. However, times have changed and 3D printing gets more and more accessible thanks to apps and printing services (Read the entire article here: http://i.materialise.com/blog/the-mo...veryone-thinks).

What do you think: is 3D printing an exclusive field for experts or is it already open to everyone?

[curious aardvark]

Not necessarily for experts - but like just about every other walk of life - if you want to make the most from the technology you need to LEARN about it.

I realise that's an unfashionable point of view and people believe that nobody should ever have to study or learn anything ever again and that modern technology ought to be transparent and utterly without a learning curve. Like those smatphones. Yep the ones that don't come with a manual and that 90% of their users have absolutely no clue what their true potential is.

It is always going to be possible to do anything badly and most modern technologies will funtion adequately without any real need for the user to possess a brain.

But in order to get the best from anything - in pretty much any field - it's still necessary to learn not just what you are doing but, far more importantly - WHY !

[LambdaFF]

With forums, wikis, and google, the information is available to anyone looking for it. I agree with Curious, the biggest problem is that nobody bothers reading it.