Re: 3D Printers in Traveller

Part of thread: 3D Printers in Traveller · 1 reply ↳ In reply to Re: 3D Printers in Traveller — Todd Kes Re: 3D Printers in Traveller — Another Carpenter
On Fri, Feb 7, 2014 at 1:25 PM, DED <> wrote:

>
>
> So has anyone given any thought about how these can be used in Traveller?
> Over the next few years I think they'll have a noticeable impact on our
> current society (they in use *now* but are largely the province of
> hobbyists and manufacturers).
>

Honestly they will probably remain in the realm of Hobbyists and
Manufacturers, in that how many people do you know that have a selection of
machine tools in there garage?

> The limits seem to be available material.
>

That is the key point, "what feedstocks do I have on hand to fix my
problem?".

> But I wonder if various nations will impose bans on certain items. Here in
> the US, at least one guy has already made a gun (I think it was a
> functioning replica of an AR-15 but I could be wrong). Is it possible that
> there will be protocols programmed in to prevent the manufacture of
> firearms?
>

Probably not. As a gun is just another type of machine. Though I could see
societies where access to that sort of information would be restricted, as
well as some of the easier feedstocks for chemical assemblers to construct
common explosives and propellants.

>
> I'm thinking that there will be different sizes available. Ships could
> carry around desktop-sized ones that will be limited to small parts.
> Machine shop varieties will be able to make larger parts. Will the
> manufacturers of the devices be the same ones that make starship parts? If
> so, will the machines be programmed to prohibit those designs to force
> starships to buy directly from the manufacturer or a licensed retailer?
>

Right now I am thinking the most common one will be the one in each
Staterooms Culinary Unit, Which could go a long way in explained the cost
of Life Support, needing to replace all the expired and/or half used
Culinary cartridges... 8)

Largely The printers will be part of a larger chain of industrial tools
used to produce goods, so each shop probably will have one or two to
support the shops operations.

For years I have included a "Autoforge&quot; as part of a ship machine shop,
which years ago was envisioned as a CNC Mill like device that manufacture
parts to specification, I can see a integral printer as part of this now.
(Note; My dad worked for a specialist Machining operation that use High
Tech Investment casting to produce parts for Military, Aerospace and
related specialized industries. And for the late 80s the plant was quite
impressive)

>
> Thoughts?
>
Most of my thoughts are I have always assumed that this and similar
technologies were already in play. Though the printer in the Culinary unit
amuses me for some reason.

--
Evyn