On Sun, 6 Dec 2020 21:32:40 -0500 Karl <gmkarl@gmail.com> wrote:
Well, to expand this common dialog a little,
On Sun, Dec 6, 2020 at 9:24 PM Punk-BatSoup-Stasi 2.0 <punks@tfwno.gf> wrote:
Karl <gmkarl@gmail.com> wrote:
Of course, the idea of 3D printers isn't to purchase from corporations. You can get plans to make your own,
to make your own 3d printer you need to first make your own computer(s). In other words, if you don't want to buy your 3d printer from govcorp you need your own IC manufacturing plant. Once you have the printer you need plastics as feedstock. That in turn requires a chemical plant.
These things are both 'natural' resources for a while now. We have landfills and dumpsters that are full of computers and plastics, all over the globe. People are paying money to get rid of them, in my country.
the landfills are filled with broken computers and the plastics need reprocessing. Sure you may be able to get a microcontroller, motors, drivers for the motors etc from a 'landfill', but it's not too practical. (yes, I do get components for my electronics projects from the landfill)
except, recycled materials have to be manufactured before they can be recycled.
To push back more, now that we are covered in piles of manufactured materials, we have responsibility with regard to figuring out what to do with them.
it's mostly garbage because that's how it was designed in the first place. The stuff that jim bell's industrial 'civilization' produces is meant to be used 6 months and thrown away. My point stands I think. 3D printing is a specialized process and it fully relies on supplies that come either directly or indirectly from govcorp. Last but not least you don't need a 3d printer to build weapons.
But yes, they're an advancement of industrialization, and they take exotic skill to use well.