Algon comments on Why capitalism? - Less Wrong

6 Post author: Algon 03 May 2015 06:16PM

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Comment author: Algon 04 May 2015 05:01:26PM 0 points [-]

Eh, I meant more like phone stands and cases. Door handles as in the actual nob. Do people lean on door handles? Also, what kind of toiler paper holders do you use? I've never seen one with a spring inside. What sort of mechanism does it use?

And a low quality 3D printer is something that probably could last a few years. And if not now, then certainly in a few years time.

The thing is, 3D printing is only really getting its legs under it. In order to really revolutionise things it needs to have the proper infrastructure developing alongside it which is only happening now. Each industrial revolution not only had a new mode of production, but also a new form of energy and communication accompanying it. We have the communications medium, the internet, but the so called 'energy internet' and the 'internet of things' are just starting to emerge, and it will probably take a few decades before the whole 'third industrial revolution' is finished.

By the way, I didn't just make that up, Here's an article from the economist briefly covering the idea: http://www.economist.com/node/21553017

Comment author: Lumifer 04 May 2015 05:43:43PM *  2 points [-]

The thing is, 3D printing is only really getting its legs under it.

I agree. But the future is uncertain. 3D printing might revolutionize DIY manufacturing or it might not. I am aware that some people are pretty sure it will, but their arguments tend to lean in the "because we want it to happen" direction.

A simple welding setup will give me a much more useful DIY capability than a 3D printer at the moment. And I will be able to produce a variety of home items out of scrap steel quite cheaply. Still, home welding isn't particularly popular.