Why aren't we building "products" from lego rather than seeing them as toys? The promise of 3D-printers haven't really played out, but it would be interesting if we had a material like lego to build some of the things we need. Lego is infinitely customizable and each brick would be potentially useful in any product that you would build. Of course there are some obvious downsides but I think the idea of an ecosystem of standardized, "open" and adaptable materials is super interesting.
> The promise of 3D-printers haven't really played out
I don't know what you think the "promise of 3D-printers" was but if you think it hasn't played out then probably you had unreasonable expectations.
> Why aren't we building "products" from lego rather than seeing them as toys?
Would you buy such a product? They would be much larger than the same thing not made out of lego. They would shatter in your bag during transportation. They would be more awkward to use because of the rectangular shape of the bricks. They would collect dirt in all the crevices/studs.
Look around your home or recent purchase history, which products would be improved by making them out of lego?
That said, I have made a couple of things as prototypes, mostly for archery:
- spine testing jig (had to use a bunch of washers on a bolt for the two-pound weight though)
- fletching jig
Also some small desk accessories --- a tablet stand w/ pen holder, a rack for a CD-player --- the two stacks of bricks holding up a wooden shelf are still on place though.
Ｉ actually toyed with the idea with the Technic "bricks" that give much much more flexibility.
I can vouch for the versatility, it kinda works for a headphone hanger, or a cup holder, small foldable desk racks etc. But then these components are too light and don't have enough strength to keep shape for months. Many of the parts bent over time, some broke under abuse.
Also for these kind of use pieces are big and finding a compact build is really a chalenge. I ended up using a ton of custom built third party pieces.
I'd definitely try with a 3d printing next, it will allow for smaller parts at least, and probably cost way less in materials (Lego are overpriced for that)
At one point they sold a set around building toddler-sized furniture that could be disassembled and repurposed as the kids grow up. Now it looks like the closest thing they offer is desk organizers (which is still cool).
There are tons of plans available online for LEGO "products". Stands for smartphones and tablets and headphones are the first thing that comes to mind and I've seen a lot of those. Pencil holders and such are popular as well.
3D printing is much more versatile than LEGO. Take just a random example: a cup holder for in the car. Using 3D printing, it would look and work similar to the ones you can buy in a store. Using LEGO would make it very bulky, aesthetically not so great, and also it would fall apart easily.
I think the original commenter above has simply never used a 3D printer for anything practical.
Which doesn't make sense, either. 3d printers are the ultimate bracket makers. I've used mine numerous times for things like broken sliding light switches or really anything small and made of plastic that breaks.
