Short-order Metal Parts

I have been studying this technology for some time with interest, and reluctantly, I personally cannot see a use for it. Which is really too bad considering what I do in my shop! (actually, I make suits of medieval armour. No really!) I make one of a kind pieces every day in my fabricating shop, if I could "print" my product, I would be very happy. Gee..just sit in front of the computer, the part would appear like magic in the other room. But it does not seem to work that way. There are several methods...sintering with intersecting laser beams seems to be one of the most promising...but the product is not as strong as a casting. Perhaps it would be more useful for mould making...but the surface finish doesn't seem to be quite good enough to make a good mould. There is always something "not quite" about printing a metal part!

I still keep a subscription to "Time Compression Technology", but all the articles seem to be getting more and more esoteric, and clearly more and more "preaching to the choir". I suppose if I was to inherit a printer, or win it in a raffle, or have the lowest bid on a whim at auction, I would try harder to find a use for it. Certainly some amazing stuff can be "printed" . I just don't have, nor can I figure out a use for it. Can't use it in my armour making shop.

Your mileage may differ.