Rapid Prototyping, Timeshare-Style
High end prototyping machines are following the model (ha!) of modern day timeshares by allowing businesses to buy fractional ownership of the machines, and in effect guaranteeing an output of a certain amount of prototypes per year.
3D Printers are great tools for all kinds of different organizations in design and development- related fields. While the fact that the price is dropping rapidly for entry-level machines is a story of its own, the high-end machines remain costly due to their much better capabilities (larger part size, better part materials, potential to use multiple materials and colors, etc.). This new paradigm allows smaller businesses to get the functionality of one of these machines without the six figure investment. Now excuse me while I go put in a purchase order.
http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6470757.html?nid=2881
