Or maybe it will. But it is still a technology in its infancy, not ready for prime time or novices. But for a Mashable writer who thinks that the future should be here now, that is somehow a valid criticism:
"How wrong we were. Instead of getting a cool case for our iPhones, all we got was a lot of headache. So much headache, in fact, that I'm now more convinced than ever that 3D printers for regular people will never become a thing."
Read the full rant here: http://mashable.com/2016/07/23/3d-printed-failure
The comments alone on this article show how shortsighted the author's criticism is, who even admits to not reading the manual. That's a red flag right there, that the technology might just be a little more complicated than a layman is ready for.
I'm still not sure why there is so much negativity toward 3d printing technology. Most of the complaints I see are from novices who think it should already be as simple as downloading a model, clicking print, then getting a perfect model a few hours later. Forget reality, I want it now!
The technology just isn't there yet, it's the realm of professionals and dedicated hobbyists, not laymen, yet. Given where it was five years ago, it's improving, but it's a slow progression.
I'm fairly technically proficient, and have a mind for CAD and 3d design, but actually getting something that prints and is useful for Betty homemaker on a $100 printer just isn't realistic yet, and that's the crowd that seems to be the most critical of the technology.
Personally, I'm still sending my models to 3d printing shops, waiting a few days and paying a few bucks, then getting a piece that I might have to do some filing or sanding to perfect.
And I'm fine with that. It's a realistic expectation of the technology and the level of investment required. Sure, eventually we may get to the point where we can send a model from the Web through a mobile app to a 3d printer in the garage and have it come out perfect every time, but for now let's try being a little realistic.
