[wtallis]

I know several kids who have, on their own, discovered and learned how to use SketchUp, without anything like access to a 3d printer as motivation - just a fascination with the idea of building virtual objects. It's a severely limited tool, but that's not enough of a turn-off to prevent them from learning the basics of 3d modeling. Since completed models can be readily shared amongst those who use 3d printers, I think it's safe to say that a lack of competent 3d modelers won't be a limiting factor for the growth of 3d printing. And as 3d printers become more affordable, the market for better affordable CAD tools with absolutely explode, with SketchUp racing to add more advanced features, and companies like SolidWorks trying to find a way to release an affordable product without completely cannibalizing their existing business model.

[iamwil]

I don't doubt the kids will pick it up quickly, just as kids picked up programming in the computer's early days.

But to the originally stated use case of fixing broken parts, I don't think that will happen as kids aren't usually running around fixing parts. And for the rest of us, only some of us have enough umph to learn how to 3D model. The vast majority need something easier to make the fixing broken parts scenario a reality.

However, I guess I can see a scenario where older people hire kids to fix parts, like how older people hired kids to do websites in the 90's.