[BaroqueMoon]

Originally Posted by Jumper75

I don't think the point here was to print the engine and the brakes using any sort of machine our members could afford.

It would be very handy however for duplicating door handles, clips and bits of trim, bulb holders, knobs, etc.

I also don't agree with the idea that printed materials will be inherently weak, the technology of laying down lines of material like that has been used for decades by welders refacing heavy cutting tools and it's perfectly good. As for plastics, ABS and Nylon are both common and those are well known for being tough.

Now if you could print metal you could print otherwise impossible structures. For example you could print a honeycombed metal chassis, made of materials otherwise too heavy to use like 1090 steel, with an incredible strength to weight ratio and no welds. You could even print the brake lines into the middle of the metal if you want. This technology will make possible very efficient designs that couldn't be built otherwise.

NASA was one of the first to 3d metal print rocket parts that have been successfully fired.
Newer industrial 3d printers now print carbon fibre parts.
Domestic 3d printers may well remain a niche area mainly used for prototyping but industrial units are being installed in established manufacturers plants making products as unlikely as complete vehicle bodys.
I for one welcome the new manufacturing overlords