3-D Printers...is anyone else a little nervous?

[Darren]

Is it just me or is anyone else a little apprehensive regarding the idea of 3-D printers becoming as commonplace as, well, regular printers scares the shit out of me, especially in light of the fact that you can print a plastic gun that fires, among other potentially dangerous things.

I'm not sure of how effective said gun might be in creating harm, but the invention itself seems to offer a potential for great misuse.

I just don't see this invention being worth the trouble as it becomes more commonplace and more people start contemplating how to use the technology for nefarious purposes.

STORY

[boots]

A little scary- yes- but cool as hell if you ask me.

It gets back to what I've been saying for a while about everything returning to the micro. Now you can manufacture what you need right in your own home (for a price). Its like Star Trek, you want a new pair of shoes, or cup and saucer and presto, push a few buttons, download a pattern, set the nozzle on spray and you print it up.

The possibilities are endless.

[DannyA]

I'm with Darren, and your observation that "the possibilities are endless" is exactly what makes me shudder.

[boots]

Well, when Gutenberg developed that pesky press of his, I'm sure folks were just as scared as they were enamored.

[DannyA]

that press helped out people who could read. The 3d thing helps out people who think it's nifty to make a plastic gun.

[purplestack2]

3D printers are totally science fiction come to life.... miraculous. and also a bit scary... eventually they will make these things the size of a house, fabricating who knows what... car bodies, bicycles, modular housing units... amazing..