by MrFlippant » Sun Nov 25, 2018 12:30 pm
They fill a need. In some cases, that need does not justify the cost. Shapeways uses a technology call SLS. It's laser sintered nylon. That technology is perfect for a business like Shapeways, because optimal use of the printer is to entirely fill the print volume with objects. Otherwise, you end up wasting a lot of the special powder, because it can't be re-used without adding in fresh powder, otherwise you lose quality. With this tech, there is no need for support structure. The objects can "float" in the build volume because the powder itself is the support. It's pretty messy, too, because the powder is like dust, and needs to be cleared out/off of the finished print. These printers are very expensive, and simply not something a consumer could normally consider.
SLA printing is becoming more popular for consumer printing. This is the cured resin method. It has exceptionally good resolution and surface quality. It can be pretty strong as well, though it does require support structures for complex models. It's pretty messy, though, requiring a cleaning of the finished print, and then a curing process, which is often another piece of hardware to buy. One downside to this type is that the build area for most consumer level printers is pretty small. We're talking small tablet at best, large cell phone size most of the time, and then whatever height they can get out of the machine. Arguably, the surface quality for these is better than SLS like Shapeways. These printers are still pretty expensive for consumers, though.
FDM printing, the kind you apparently don't like, where filament is melted and extruded layer by layer, is still the most consumer friendly method. It's the most reasonably priced, and with advancements in printer tech, the quality is getting to be pretty darn good. It's probably the cleanest method, with very little waste (supports), very little cleanup (removing supports). It can be quite strong, with a range of materials up to and including carbon fiber infused nylon. Admittedly, because of the "layers", this method is best for utilitarian items, but there are some materials that are easily post-processed for a smooth finish, such as ABS and acetone vapor smoothing. Again, with improvements in tech, the quality is fast approaching that of SLS printing.
It all comes down to the value of things to each person. If I want a couple hundred figures for my track spectators, and only need them to meet the 5 foot rule, then it's actually cheaper to build a cheap FDM printer and a spool or two of cheap filament. Not to mention, I can say I did it myself. :) If you're willing to pay Shapeways prices, then that's a good value for you. :)