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Is the future of Transformer addons and custom parts in rapid prototyping/self-replicating machines?

There are a few projects going like the RepRap project or MakerBot Industries. Basically these are machines that can create 3d models of almost anything you can create in a CAD/CAM program. They're biggest claim to fame, however, is that they can produce (almost) all the parts needed to create new machines, meaning they're cheaper than current commercial prototyping machines (which run $30,000 and up). Currently, kits for either machine run about $1000, or if you can find someone who has one, the price of materials plus the parts the machine can't make yet (motors and circuit cards). As the technology matures, the price should come down as the machines are able to produce more of their own parts.

What's this mean for us? How would you like to be able to create or download specs for a part, say a custom gun, or a broken arm, and "print" a copy in a few hours, for pennies? No more waiting months for companies like iGear to produce and ship kits, just buy the files and do it yourself.

In due time, you might even be able to buy the spec from HasTak and create whole figures. No more waiting for stores to stock the 'Formers we can't find! 'Course, that's a long way (10-15 years at least) off, but this could be the key to Star Trek-style replicators.

I think this has great potential for helping collectors out. Broken parts or missing accessories could be replaced with relative ease as long as one has access to the machines and the schematics of the required part(s).

I don't think it will mean a significant problem for 3rd party producers who create unique designs, though. But it could be great for the creative individuals who know how to design 3 dimensional objects. The fan community is full of artists so this may be the tip of the iceberg for some very interesting and truly custom made items.

I still like the figures created by 3rd parties, because I wouldn't have to do the work The transforming Spike and Daniel with their suits from 1986 movie is really appealing atm.

Yeah, that's something else. A significant part of what we pay for in custom work is that someone else does the work, hehe. Also, beyond single component sculpted items like a basic gun accessory, when you get into manufacturing complicated multi-component parts that exist in the more current Transformers toys, it's not just manufacturing the parts, also consider the assembly process. So even replacing a broken limb on a Transformer may not be so simple despite having access to the schematics and a machine to manufacture the parts.

Convotron wrote:Yeah, that's something else. A significant part of what we pay for in custom work is that someone else does the work, hehe. Also, beyond single component sculpted items like a basic gun accessory, when you get into manufacturing complicated multi-component parts that exist in the more current Transformers toys, it's not just manufacturing the parts, also consider the assembly process. So even replacing a broken limb on a Transformer may not be so simple despite having access to the schematics and a machine to manufacture the parts.

Exactly, though I do think in the instance of reprolables, it might be possible in the near future to make and design our own right at home.