The visual quality, combined with its FULL functionality, is significantly beyond what I was expecting, out of "standard", affordable (relatively) priced 3D printers.
It did have help, from real life parts as well, e.g. Electronics. But even so, AMAZING!
Some of the lower cost 3D printers released from 2014+ have been really good. Good enough to not be toys. This one only prints in PLA through, so it prints nice looking display parts, but the mechanical properties aren't as good in many ways compared to printers that can print abs, polycarb, nylon etc. PLA parts are usually brittle, not UV stable, not temperature stable (become soft as low as 60C), prone to moisture absorption. PLA is biodegradable through, has high hardness when below glass transition temp, easy to print, stiff, and resistant to warping for larger prints compared to many other printable materials.
The way I see it, is that it could cost hundreds of pounds/dollars or more, to buy an item like that, professionally made.
So to get your home 3D printer to print/make it for you, in PLA/ABS etc, is quite an amazing concept (at least to me). Also it will presumably cost very approximately $10 to make, rather than having to buy it for $500 (wild estimate). The extra parts (not easily printed in 3D) for the prop, shown above (Ghostbusters), adds about $50 (approx), to the cost.
3D Printing, is reminding me of the early days, of home printers.
The early (1990's) home inkjet printers, were potentially problematic, with inks drying up, paper jams, cheap ink jet refill kit accidental ink spillages, etc etc.
But with refinement and improvement, the near future (home) 3D printers, are increasingly getting closer to Star Treks Matter Forming Machine (REPLICATOR).
I.e. You think up some item you want. E.g. a record player, from the 1950s, made with valves/tubes.
Press a few buttons, then minutes later, out pops a shiny new 1950s (replica) record player.
I've seen many youtube videos about 3D printers. Many show how relatively weak the constructed material is. Essentially you knock it in the right/wrong place, and it breaks along those lines, and completely falls to pieces. With apparently, only a relatively slight knock.
We are not far from being able to put on VR helmets and visit far away (virtual) shops. Like the item, after playing with it (in the VR world). Then buy it (like buying an ebook), then send it to your 3D printer. Later that day, out pops the "same" item, in real life.
Presumably other materials such as metal, and electronic components and stuff, can all be handled by future 3D printers. (But maybe a VERY long time in the future).
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