Selective Laser Sintering Patent Expiration Will Not Be a Game Changer | Industry Market Trends
So 3D printing is basically the next big thing; kind of like 'Today' is 1995-1996 and we are talking about the Internet is the next big thing. At least, that's what I think, simply because I'm getting the same feeling I had in 1995 - that this thing is big, and all the naysayers are going to be chewing felt soon enough.
Well right now the big story is that a key patent in 3D printing is about to expire for machines that cost between $200,000 and $750,000. The above article argues that won't matter because the Chinese are scared of all the other patents and afraid of being sued. I think this kind of confidence is questionable.
I have ordered various laser components from China (which obviously now includes Hong Kong) and when I was last in Shanghai, I had the opportunity to get a good look at their tech industry from a civilian side, and it is definitely no joke. They innovate, and they market to their own people products the west will likely never see, but that also means they have the capacity for innovation necessary to circumnavigate other patent limitations to do their own thing.
I was curious what the rest of you in LPF thought about the idea of commercial or hobby kit laser scanning and laser sintering coming out of China?
So 3D printing is basically the next big thing; kind of like 'Today' is 1995-1996 and we are talking about the Internet is the next big thing. At least, that's what I think, simply because I'm getting the same feeling I had in 1995 - that this thing is big, and all the naysayers are going to be chewing felt soon enough.
Well right now the big story is that a key patent in 3D printing is about to expire for machines that cost between $200,000 and $750,000. The above article argues that won't matter because the Chinese are scared of all the other patents and afraid of being sued. I think this kind of confidence is questionable.
I have ordered various laser components from China (which obviously now includes Hong Kong) and when I was last in Shanghai, I had the opportunity to get a good look at their tech industry from a civilian side, and it is definitely no joke. They innovate, and they market to their own people products the west will likely never see, but that also means they have the capacity for innovation necessary to circumnavigate other patent limitations to do their own thing.
I was curious what the rest of you in LPF thought about the idea of commercial or hobby kit laser scanning and laser sintering coming out of China?