Can't hurt!
If it worked though, then the next question would be, when will Shapeways offer 16 micron layer thickness FUD. The current isn't that bad, but for some geometries it requires finishing, which I hate doing. :confused
Then again, if Shapeways would just lower the lead time and offer a patinating option we'd be in business!
Shapeways could be making billions if they would make a few adjustments to completely tap into the consumer market.
Maybe Shapeways should divide up into two companies. One that concentrates on rapid prototyping services and one that focuses on what the founders originally intended. They should divide up cuz these two areas interfere with each other. If they had a company solely devoted to consumer goods they could then make deals with designers and bring them inside to a degree, while the other company could continue to charge the going rate for rapid prototyping services for everyone else.
The reason they have the long lead times is they don't have enough orders to fill up the part trays, so they wait for orders to come in to make it worth running the machine cycle. We know this cuz we have Peter on video saying it. Well, there are far more people in the world that want something like a pair of 3D printed shoes or an amazing 3D printed purse than there are makers that want items for their projects and engineers that want their prototypes.
Sooner or later someone is going to go for it, and when they do, I'll be there designing up a storm!