I mention this because I think I see a revolution coming (laser cut steel sheet) for robotics, 3d printer designs, etc as the manufacturing costs will be so low it does not make sense to buy the raw materials and mill/drill yourself.
In case you are looking for a job, you're hired! haha.. Remarkable comment....
PCB stencil service is something we'll have to try out with the engraving machines - the laser cutters are too powerful for such thin sheets. The max. standard dimensions might be soon changed. (we can already provide larger parts in custom applications)
additionally, I personally believe that what you say is absolutely correct. From a manufacturer's point of view, costs can be low. It's demand + optimisation that keeps them low.
Agreed, most people default to 3D printing. I think that's OK for brackets or joints but cut steel is so much more appropriate for anything larger.
The only thing holding it back is the bending operation, even 1.5mm is difficult to bend by hand with a "real" bender. Most people would not be able to do that operation at home. Solutions?
Too many variables to control and you wouldn't be able to offer free shipping anymore.... you'd have to offer a single bend radius and only 30, 45, 60 and 90 degree angles...
