The Replicator is being sold for $1,749 (£1,130) for the basic version that makes objects in one colour.
In the space of 20 minutes a plastic bottle opener has been constructed by the Replicator – a 3D printing machine capable of making objects up to the size of a loaf of bread.
“I would like to live in the future where somebody creates a digital design – maybe a great faucet handle – and after that nobody needs to recreate a faucet handle because it’s been done. Or maybe if they want to make it a little bit different it or add their initials they can do that.
“But I don’t think we need a marketplace. It’s a sharing world. We are at the dawn of the age of sharing where even if you try to sell things the world is going to share it anyway.”
It is a chilling thought for defenders of intellectual property rights who have already seen piracy take its toll on the music and movie industries.
However, unlike Makerbot, 3D System’s embrace of capitalism means that it is already in talks with established toy makers and other companies about the potential of selling access to their designs.
3D System’s booth resembles that of Makerbot in that it is covered with self-made playthings including dinosaurs, planes and chess pieces.
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