Been looking at 3d Printers quite a bit lately. Personally as a potential source of spare parts for things, especially as the supply chain keeps getting worse. I can potentially stockpile a lot of material then build what I need, assuming the computer and power keeps rolling. My son is very excited about the idea as he sees it as an unlimited supply of plastic toys....
Been trying to learn more about the different types and realistic potential. Especially in context of spare parts. Can one reasonably expect to print functional parts for water systems, valves, elbows, for example or is it more limited to knobs and hinges and brackets?
Pretty well into the weeds with research on Resin vs filament, direct drive and so on. And of course what material it would print.
CAD programs take time and knowledge, running the printer takes time. Not sure it is practically worth messing with beyond as a toy. Also slightly counterintuitive to my usual leaning of simplifying for survivability.