[jkestner]

Underrated is ordering SLS parts from a printer, like on CraftCloud. You can get small functional nylon parts made for $2 + shipping.

Modeling things has always been the biggest friction point. Not easy to make CAD interfaces easier. Part files from the manufacturer would be nice.

[ajsnigrutin]

Sure, but you still have to either open the device yourself, or pay someone to do it, find the broken part, find the part design, order it, ship it, replace it, and reassemble the device. If you don't do it yourself, it's not worth it at all financially, and if you do, it's quite a long process, usually not worth it for a $50 drill, where the company wanted to save a few cents with a plastic part.

[jkestner]

Oh yeah, overall, I don't think 3D printers are useful for this in the real world, not at this point. Just playing to the crowd, for those HNers determined to make use of 3D printing.

Nothing beats simply designing to repair, or at least YouTube how-to videos, and available replacement parts. I've kept a stupid $100 microwave going for 15 years with two $4 repairs, mostly for the principle of it.