The primary objection to 3D printing in the article seems to be about speed in transforming raw materials into a finished product, but that's not the only thing that needs to happen to sell a product.
The entire process is:
1. Transform raw materials into a finished product
2. Transport product from factory to store or warehouse
3. Transport product from store or warehouse to customer's home
Looking at it like this, it seems to me that the speed of 3D printing relative to other ways to transform raw materials into a finished product is irrelevant.
What really matters is the speed of 3D printing relative to other ways to transport the product from the store or warehouse to the customer's home. In other words, how long does UPS/FedEx take to deliver or how long does it take to visit the local mall?
The entire process is:
1. Transform raw materials into a finished product
2. Transport product from factory to store or warehouse
3. Transport product from store or warehouse to customer's home
Looking at it like this, it seems to me that the speed of 3D printing relative to other ways to transform raw materials into a finished product is irrelevant.
What really matters is the speed of 3D printing relative to other ways to transport the product from the store or warehouse to the customer's home. In other words, how long does UPS/FedEx take to deliver or how long does it take to visit the local mall?