Well......
before we all get on that shiny new pony we call 3D printing.....
The consumer machines only layer which is woefully weak compared to plastic mold injection. I've seen the parts fail from these machines quite catastrophically.
There are however, commercial machines approaching a million dollars or more that CAN make durable parts like these. But it takes hrs just to print one piece......so it's not a real company money maker to print parts yet for hobbyists.
If you're lucky enough to KNOW someone that works for one of these companies and has been given permission(in some case encouraged) to diddle around with one of the company machines, you may be able to have something made as a side project.
Other than that, 3D printing for the consumer hobbyist leaves a lot to be desired. But boy-o-boy, people talk about it like there's a machine hard at work on at least every block, putting out durable pieces......
Kevin
