Would You Share a 3D Printer?

By on April 11th, 2013 in Service

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One secret known by 3D printer owners is that they can be a lot of work and expense. They are more expensive than consumer-grade paper printers and require much more care and feeding to get good results. These may discourage some from buying their own 3D printer. 
 
But now there could be another option: thinkklip offers a means of sharing 3D printers. It’s hoping to be the “AirBNB or ZipCar of 3D printers”. How does it work? According to thinkklip: 
 
  • We will help you to find others with similar interests and budgets who are ready to buy a 3D printer as a  group.
  • It does not have to be strangers, How about your fellow model airplane club?, Your cooking club?
  • Online reputation works: Every user can simply check the online profiles of other members and decide who to follow or join.
  • You decide the printer that you wish to purchase and what you want to contribute each of you.
  • We will make you a proposal but you decide how you want to share your printer.
  • Instantly the platform can create a document of co-ownership (publicly or privately) where all the details will be explained.
  
We’ve heard no feedback from anyone regarding thinkklip, but it seems like a concept worth exploring. We particularly like the idea of sharing the work, the exploration and the fun between a group of friends. Could this be your way into 3D printing? 
 

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!