Hi,
I wanted to  share some worryings i have  (and expectations).
In my presentation, Warren said :
"Resin casting is growing in popularity especially as people see the results that can be had relatively cheaply at the DIY level."
It is true, but i can't help thinking : will 3D printing be more profitable than casting in resin and if yes, when ? I hope to start a business next year, casting scenery for miniature games.
If 3D printing is  more profitable within 10 years (as technology develops quickly and 3D printers are more and more cheaper, faster, and gain in quality), It seems iam doomed
What you professionals do think about that issue ?
Thanks !

I'd say it isn't necessary to think that far ahead in the first place as resin casting equipment is cheap anyway, so you wouldn't lose an insane amount of money if 3D printing were to have a sudden major breakthrough (I am not holding my breath though). There are certain technologies I despise utilizing, injection molding being one of them. But there are different reasons for that, and for others it might still be the best solution. I think skilled resin casters can beat injection molded parts in quality. So it really depends on what you are shooting for (e.g. cost leadership vs. quality leadership). For example, you are designing very very small parts and lots of them, then injection molding might be particularly interesting cost-wise (small parts scale very well when injetcion molded) as you'd only need access to a smaller-ish injection moulding machine that works with sub-insane pressure-levels. But since you likely won't beat the big players cost function either way, you might as well shoot for parts that beat your competition in quality.

So I guess my advice would be to go ahead with resin casting, but don't buy injection molding machines. They are truly expensive and they will be the first to suffer when/if 3D printing succeeds.