I see the technology as something that would allow TS manufacturers to lower their costs. For instance, it would allow them to manipulate a prototype to get it just the way that they like before creating the master mold. It would also allow them to modify existing figures with minimal effort. That means serious cost savings. In terms of the pewter/tin/white metal end of the business, we're not to the point where metal can be extruded in a method which rivals simple castings cost-wise, not even close. Finally, should it someday be possible to create metal soldiers with some variation of the technology, the figures would still have to be painted. For that matter, I believe that much of the cost increase that we've seen is being driven by embellishment, paint and markings. It's important for the manufacturers to cut costs where they can, don't you think?
Most of us simply don't know what "the costs" of manufacturing are. I note that many manufacturers are very keen to let us know things - such as - " the cost of metal has risen by 84% in the last 3 years" (for example) - but not so keen to tell us how many pennies that actually means to them - which would be far more illuminating! An 84% increase in £1 - is only £1.84. But what IS the cost of a few grammes of this "precious metal"???????? - and how much does it ACTUALLY cost to produce an unpainted casting? Anyone care to tell us that?
Your post also assumes that manufacturers might be keen to pass on any savings. I hope you are right - but the temptation surely might be just to make extra profit - and simply not pass on any savings that they may make at all. This happens with other products - such as costs in the petro-chemical industry.
I compare the ACTUAL cost of manufacturers to me - and spend my money accordingly. I can buy a simple one piece casting of a foot figure from one supplier I know of, for £3.30 retail. Another Company - just a few miles away - would like to sell me a similar, one piece casting for £10.50 (actual prices - though I won't embarrass the suppliers by stating who they are).
Guess which unpainted castings I usually buy!
And yes, I do agree that it is in the painting that the costs can quickly escalate - depending on the fineness of the end result/ number of colours used etc - and therefore time to complete them. ( I know this from discussing it with a well known supplier). There is also a cost in transporting to and from the painters ( some of whom are outsourced, so castings need to be taken to them, and collected again once painted). To those of us who may like to paint our own, therefore - these last painting costs simply don't exist - so the technology involved in producing unpainted figures is of greater interest.
I see other posts on the subject who say that this is not available "yet". Good word that! I remember watching the Coronation on a 12" Black and White TV set in 1953 - that cost my parents "an arm and a leg" to purchase, back in 1953. I can now buy virtually any size TV I like - in full colour - stereo sound - and even 3D - if I want - for very little of my disposable income, today.
3D printing is in its infancy - at the moment, and is probably expensive. It won't always be that way.
Until such time, I'll continue to support the manufacturers who give me value for money, and avoid the ones that I consider are not doing that. End of! - Johnnybach
