The custom world and 3D printed ponies... what do you think?

[thatg33kgirl]

So after reading a few articles about the future of 3D printing today and piracy issues via reddit (http://wire.kapitall.com/investment-idea/3d-craze-marks-start-of-technology-disruption/), and seeing a lot of 3D printed customs pop up on my DA account, I have to ask, what do you ladies and gents think of this as an impact to the custom world? Do you think it will have a positive or negative impact, or an impact at all? Are these even considered customs?

I also saw this article a while ago about how it may impact Hasbro http://on3dprinting.com/tag/my-little-pony/

Here is a shop that is offering 3D printed ponies for sale: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/ponis  (there are also people who sell them on DA, but I can't find them at the moment)

And in case no one knows what I'm talking about (which, is normal hehe) here are some pics (not my own, pulled off the internet)
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My personal opinion on them really varies, so I'd like to see what ya'll think!

[Summer-blade]

Hum well it would mean making molded hair ponies would be easier..but it would be a whole solid peace so there would be no articulation and no brushable hair     

[thatg33kgirl]

I actually saw a 3D printed one that was like a BJD..

Found it! http://silverbeam.deviantart.com/art/BJD-Pony-326864272

[Summer-blade]

I actually saw a 3D printed one that was like a BJD..

Found it! http://silverbeam.deviantart.com/art/BJD-Pony-326864272

oh well now that would be interesting that I would buy

[kakenterprise]

I've done 3d printing before( I have a huge piece of my girl riding a bird) it get super pricey depending on the quality.
I have a pokemon ring to and some 3d beaver prints.
Eventually I'll get around to doing a pony I like them and I'm a good 3d artist. 

[kaoskat]

*is so confused*

[kakenterprise]

*is so confused*

They take a 3d made object (a pony) and print it out on a printer that makes the object 3 denominational.

Edit I really didn't like the 3d plain model pony(there's no reason for there to be such a nasty line down the middle.  But that's me being picky)

[thatg33kgirl]

Perhaps some background on 3D model printing? Its kind of like printing on paper like you do from home, but making things 3D. They have been around for awhile in a commercial scale, but have recently (the past few years) become available to the home consumer.

Wiki! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

They are becoming a bit cheaper to the consumer, but still a bit out of my price range. And some people make ponies with these. (as pictured above)

[Alatariel-Silimaure]

I had given thought to trying to make hollow bases from hard to find G1 ponies... like big brothers, as blanks for customizers if I could ever figure out how to do that

[sd_dreamcrystal]

I thought about 3d printing however to me they are not considered customs to me mostly because the bases are not made from ponies that already existed. I wouldn't even consider them OOAKs if people do more than one of them. Now they could be considered something like Artist dolls. Also, while molded hair this way can give you interesting hairstyles it kind of takes away the creativity of styling and over time the more bases someone makes with them the less unique they become.

[DJOctaviaSymphony]

I bought the Vinyl Scratch 3D figure above and was VERY impressed. Would love to buy the other 2 so far as well

[Sarahlacewing]

Quality is more factory, but then as far as customs they aren't really customs since they are all stock and all the same.  So I think it would be good for making existing characters incredibly accurate, but the cost probably won't interfere much with the custom world imo.  I would however be very interested in a 3d print scaled down.  Like a G1 boy scaled down to BB or petite size and 3d printed.

[Yurusumaji]

Aren't they just made of paper? I'm a bit confused on this.

Anyway, I'm indifferent. They're neat and I like to see the ones people make, but I have no intention of buying any. I'd rather spend my money on a custom that someone slaved over to make as unique and beautiful as possible. But hey, to each his own. ^_^

[TrixieStix]

If people want show accurate customs, then this has potential to take some business...especially if the price is right. Then it will depend on what texture people prefer. I have no idea what they feel like compared to sculpy/brushable hair/etc.

I like the look of customs, but I also like the images you shared. If I spent money on either...I would buy a little of both styles probably. 

[Aerora]

Aren't they just made of paper? I'm a bit confused on this.

3D printers print in plastic, I think.

I would really like one of these ponies, but not that badly. :|a I saw someone gauging interest in ones that would be hollow elsewhere; customizing one would be nice, since I do like how the bodies look compared to normal G4s.