Hot or Not? 3D printed electrics...

jp_nyc said:
Last week the world’s first 3D printer that prints carbon fiber was announced. I expect that in a few years we’ll start seeing some really incredible 3D printed necks and hollowbody guitars to go with these designs.
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This might be a game-changer for me. I've been toying with the idea of a CF guitar for some time.
 
I wasn't super impressed with how the videos above sounded. Maybe 3D wings onto a center block for the hell of it.
 
Pretty slick.
I'd have to see something that really appealed to make me even consider that money for a guitar.
Who am I kidding? I'd never spend $3k on a guitar.
 
telecaster911 said:
Were on the cusp of buying a 3D printer at work. You know what that means :wink:
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I'm really amazed that every pickup winder on earth doesn't have one. It opens up a world of possibilities for small run bobbins, covers ect. 8 string p90's? Sure thing.
 
Peeker said:
prices should eventually come down, no?
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Probably some but it'll take some real developments in the technology to bring prices down.
A printer capable of anything this big is very expensive.
The material used to feed the printer is expensive.
It takes a lot of time to print one unit.

3D printing is very cool but won't replace mass production in terms of cost for a long time.
It may be able to beat out custom work for price but you're limited in what materials you can use.
 
dougk said:
I'm really amazed that every pickup winder on earth doesn't have one. It opens up a world of possibilities for small run bobbins, covers ect. 8 string p90's? Sure thing.
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This makes more sense. I think 3D printing will be far more useful for prototypes and one off/limited run items where making jigs, molds and fixtures is cost prohibitive for small quantities.
 
When I worked for Specialized bikes, I used a 3D printer to prototype an entire bike frame I designed. We had to do it in pieces and glue them together. It proved successful and every prototype is done that way now. I wouldn't be surprised if they get a carbon fiber printer next.
 
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