We all know we overpay for pieces of plastic in this hobby. Protein skimmers, return valves, media trays, pretty much everything that is non-mechanical.
We pay such costs because most aquarium goods are low volume items. Media trays and racks custom made for a particular model of aquarium. Protein skimmers that cost $600 dollars, that use maybe a $200 pump, the rest is plastic.
I think 3d printing will change this hobby dramatically. As well as MOST hobbies where we pay insane prices for cheap niche plastic items. In 20 years if someone needs a new return valve they will simply print it. If they need a protein skimmer for their tank, they will print it, frag racks or holders, print them. A check valve, print it.
Right now the limiting factor is not the technology, it exists, but the cost of the system. In addition to limited number of plans. In 20 years I don't see too many people running to the hardware store for simple items. Like light switch covers, or a plastic fitting, or even screws and nails.
I know it already has a effect on the model hobbies, trains, planes, RC, ext. Adoption is high in the high end nich markets of those hobbies and growing. I see 3d printing now, as what computers where 30 years ago. My dentist even uses 3d printing for crowns, my eye doctor can make custom frames. Some of the schools in my area have started including them into the classrooms. Just like the old APPLEIIE was adopted back in the day, they keep it in a technology lab, but soon most classrooms will have them.
Bottom line the more expensive a niche, or custom item is, the faster a market will adopt. The aquarium hobby is an expensive niche market with lots of custom needs. I see our adoption starting within the next few years in full force.
Your thoughts?
We pay such costs because most aquarium goods are low volume items. Media trays and racks custom made for a particular model of aquarium. Protein skimmers that cost $600 dollars, that use maybe a $200 pump, the rest is plastic.
I think 3d printing will change this hobby dramatically. As well as MOST hobbies where we pay insane prices for cheap niche plastic items. In 20 years if someone needs a new return valve they will simply print it. If they need a protein skimmer for their tank, they will print it, frag racks or holders, print them. A check valve, print it.
Right now the limiting factor is not the technology, it exists, but the cost of the system. In addition to limited number of plans. In 20 years I don't see too many people running to the hardware store for simple items. Like light switch covers, or a plastic fitting, or even screws and nails.
I know it already has a effect on the model hobbies, trains, planes, RC, ext. Adoption is high in the high end nich markets of those hobbies and growing. I see 3d printing now, as what computers where 30 years ago. My dentist even uses 3d printing for crowns, my eye doctor can make custom frames. Some of the schools in my area have started including them into the classrooms. Just like the old APPLEIIE was adopted back in the day, they keep it in a technology lab, but soon most classrooms will have them.
Bottom line the more expensive a niche, or custom item is, the faster a market will adopt. The aquarium hobby is an expensive niche market with lots of custom needs. I see our adoption starting within the next few years in full force.
Your thoughts?
