This proves how relevant FDM/ FFF is compared to the rest

[stevie.d]

http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2013/06/19/makerbot-and-stratasys-announce-merger/

http://www.3ders.org/articles/20130619-tesco-may-add-3d-printing-as-an-in-store-service.html

[conr]

Nice....

Makerbot were up to the Ucksters in Debt though (from private Equity) so I would say the sale is about customers rather than product.

The real test of time will be to see what happens with Ultimaker (materialise buy them?)

What will Brie Prettis do next...?

On Wednesday, June 19, 2013 11:05:04 PM UTC+1, stevie.d wrote:

http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2013/06/19/makerbot-and-stratasys-announce-merger/

http://www.3ders.org/articles/20130619-tesco-may-add-3d-printing-as-an-in-store-service.html

[Shane Fitzpatrick]

I hope I'm not the only one concerned about the merger between Stratasys and Makerbot.  Stratasys proved their worth as a company by sitting on FDM 3D printing patents for decades without releasing a viable desktop solution.  Even now, their proprietary system only allows filament cartridges that the company itself must refill to be used in their machines.  I think they've shown their opinion of the end user of these machines by limiting their choices in a manner solely formulated so as to drive up their own profits.  I know they're a profit making enterprise, but it limits the potential of the medium to hobble the machine.  I suppose we'll see when the next Makerbot comes out whether they'll apply their current practices to it.

How many serious competitors are there in the desktop business?  I know of Lulzbot, Ultimaker, Makerbot, Repraps, and maybe one or two others, but can anyone tell me of other serious challengers?

[conr]

Cubify?

I guess if Amazon are going into the 3d printing business, the desktop suppliers will need to be very very very cheap to keep up with there price point for replication.

[conr]

Oh, and at the rate materiliaze are investing in marketing of 3d printing itself, it can only be good for the desk top side of things

"Who cares about plastic 3D-printed models of your head when an amazing, ornate room is being 3D printed out of sandstone? Digital Grotesque, as the project is called, looks like it was ripped from the frames of a sci-fi film."

Link here

[conr]

You got to love this guy....

http://www.tctmagazine.com/shownews/pullin-no-punches-renishaw-jeremy-pullin-to-tell-it-like/