Comment by Tiereven

This is why I want to see micro-fabrication become ubiquitous. I believe a massive economic revolution that vastly improves our world is possible. I think this is a world where smaller manufacturers can compete with giant foundries, but it depends on 1) automation of small-scale raw-resource production (mining, plant materials, or even better yet, recycling for raw resources.) 2) a massive investment in micro-fabricator processes (not just 3-d printing, but modular and high-quality output of formed metals, textiles and even electronics that doesn't require hours of mucking with calibration.) 3) Replacing business-to-business-only networks with a blurred business-to-business-or-consumer one, where locally produced materials can be just-in-time committed, produced and shipped to either customers, small, in-situ manufacturers or repairmen, or even another manufacturer for advanced finishing of intermediate goods.