The go-to line is that desktop 3D printers represent "the democratization of manufacturing."
If you have a printer of your own, there's nearly no limit to what you can make. You don't even need to be technically skilled in electronics or design.
People around the world are constantly uploading the digital files necessary to replicate their creations to a site that is especially popular among the 3D printing community: MakerBot's Thingiverse. While MakerBot sells its own line of 3D printers, you do not need to own one of theirs to use these files. Any printer that can read the files will do.
Here are some of the most impressive, interesting, or non-obvious applications of print-it-yourself manufacturing you can find on Thingiverse.
A simple and elegant custom chess set.
Start your own vending machine business! This 3D printed candy dispenser accepts real money.
The detail on this action figure is stunning. It has 70 points of articulation. Look at the hands and fingers.
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