In before someone mentions the Simpsons...
this post was submitted on 24 May 2024
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Rumor has it, the monorail will be dismantled in the next couple of years due to not being able to get parts.
You'd think that with 3D printing, 'No more parts' would become a thing of the past.
Why? A company could always have ordered a new small batch of molded parts, and machine shops exist to build whatever plans you give them, or just take the worn or broken part and make a not broken part to match.
Moreover, most of the parts on a vehicle like this are going to be metal shafts, gears, barrings, ir panels, upholstery, etc… Not the small, highly intricate parts 3D printing excels at.
3d printing isn't magic lol, you still need to put in substantial time redesigning parts, and 3d printed (at least fdm) parts are way weaker than injection molded ones. they also cost a lot more money per part.
electronics and large metal parts like bogies are also definitely not 3d printable.
they'll let you ride in the front if you ask. its much more air conditioned.