3-D PRINTERS - A THREAT TO THE HOBBY AND TPGs?

MattyC · May 5, 2013 11:37PM

I have been reading extensively on this technology, which is rapidly entering the mainstream. Indeed there are models now being sold at a store near you. While at first blush the technology is fascinating, with a dizzying array of applications-- a collector has to wonder: How soon before someone begins fabricating perfect copies of TPG slabs? We know this happens now, but the advent of these printers could literally flood the market with graded cards. An industrious scammer with a high-end 3D printer could even make a mint selling tons of mid-grade cards in fake slabs. Couldn't help reading about the printers' capabilities and wondering about slabs. I think it would definitely behoove the powers that be to adopt early defenses against this dawning technology, if they are not already in the process of doing so.

Maurice · May 5, 2013 11:56PM

I saw them on the Today show recently and thought the same thing about PSA slabs. Right now they are about $2200 and relatively unknown but it was said that in 5 years they will be $100 or less and in every household.

And I wouldn't want to be holding any 1968 Topps Plaks.

Even worse than a threat to the hobby is a major threat to society. Guns can be made with these things.

ssollars · May 6, 2013 12:36AM

As of right now I don't foresee 3D printer technology being able to directly produce anything close to a usable slab, at least one that's clear, smooth and indistinguishable from a normal (probably extruded) slab. But in the future, anything could be possible!

That being said, I could see them being used as part of a larger overall process to create a slab. I could see them being a great tool for prototyping new slab designs (at greatly reduced cost) by TPG companies although manufacturing would still be done the normal way.

Boopotts · May 6, 2013 12:36AM

<< I saw them on the Today show recently and thought the same thing about PSA slabs. Right now they are about $2200 and relatively unknown but it was said that in 5 years they will be $100 or less and in every household.

And I wouldn't want to be holding any 1968 Topps Plaks.

Even worse than a threat to the hobby is a major threat to society. Guns can be made with these things. >>

This is the one emerging technology that has the potential to completely transform the global economy. I, like you guys, am going to be very interested to see how this technology matures and how it ultimately impacts our lives. My feeling is that it's going to have roughly the same impact that the printing press had, though I suppose that remains to be seen.

Southsider · May 6, 2013 12:38AM

I wouldn't worry about it at this point. PSA slabs are molded, resulting in a smooth uniform appearance. 3D printing, on the other hand, is an additive manufacturing technique, where successive layers are built onto the previous layers. So, you end up with rings or ridges running along the direction of printing. It's fairly obvious if you have the object up close. I also do not think that full transparency can be achieved with the current additive 3D printing techniques. You would not be able to replicate the large transparent window for viewing the card. Not to say that some day the process will be made so minute that it's indistinguishable on the macro level, but I wouldn't worry about it any time soon. It's probably far easier to create a mold to form counterfeit slabs right now, there's not going to be a benefit from 3D printing.

mygotta · May 6, 2013 1:51AM

These are interesting tools and I think PSA slabs will be the least of our worries in terms of problems. Outside of that, they are pretty crazy cool. Right now they are great for architects and toy makers.

ChiefsFan1st · May 6, 2013 1:54AM

I must live under a rock, I dont even know what it is.

Mapleleaf · May 6, 2013 2:33AM

<< It's probably far easier to create a mold to form counterfeit slabs right now, there's not going to be a benefit from 3D printing. >>

Agreed! Anyone can get the slabs made now although it would require a minimum order for a company to make an exact copy.
Plenty of companies in China would be willing to do this.

cpamike · May 6, 2013 2:34AM

Technology is the devil's work.

ldferg · May 6, 2013 3:04AM

These printers have been around for a few years but are now gaining momentum. While I don't feel it will impact the TPGs directly, I can see Topps (or other) selling the electronic file to "print" of your favorite player. I'd like to have the 1980 topps Rickey Henderson printed in 3D.

Was the Today Show discussion around the guy that manufactured a gun with the printer and was able to fire it? Definitely many more possibilities than a TPG slab, but I do understand the OPs concern.

1all · May 6, 2013 4:36AM

As long as it can't be used to produce gum from the 70's we're safe. That stuff is simply impossible to find.... wait

bobbydigital731 · May 6, 2013 4:42AM

Pretty good article on the 3d printers on the CNN website. There is also a video of someone test firing a gun made by a 3d printer. Don't agree with the creator about how everyone should be able to own a "printer gun" if they want, but for a few thousand dollars a 3d printer will pay for itself in no time. I guess Staples is already seeling them.

miklia · May 6, 2013 4:43AM

<< Guns can be made with these things. >>

Le sigh. no they can't. stop believing everything you see on tv.

bobbydigital731 · May 6, 2013 4:47AM

Are you going to back that up with any info or just blind judgement?

Bosox1976 · May 6, 2013 4:54AM

Very real possibility on the slabs. Seems like a lot of work on something with many moving parts (like a gun) though.

bobbydigital731 · May 6, 2013 5:04AM

I think the whole idea is sort of scary economically. Especially for things as simple as a couple of slabs. I encourage to just read the article. It doesn't talk about only guns.

Bosox1976 · May 6, 2013 5:05AM

edited for: OT

miklia · May 6, 2013 5:10AM

(good point bosox, let's stay on target)

PSA slabs? that's potentially possible. reminds me of the 'chinese are making slabs!' worry a few years back. that's why I stay with the oddball stuff

pdub1819 · May 6, 2013 5:43AM

<< I think the whole idea is sort of scary economically. Especially for things as simple as a couple of slabs. I encourage to just read the article. It doesn't talk about only guns. >>

Can I get a link to the article?

bobbydigital731 · May 6, 2013 6:12AM

CNN 3D Printer

There is a completely different article on the guns, but I agree with keeping the subject on slabs.

ChiefsFan1st · May 6, 2013 6:21AM

<< CNN 3D Printer

There is a completely different article on the guns, but I agree with keeping the subject on slabs. >>

Thanks for the link. Man, that seems like science fiction kinda stuff!

SumoMenkoMan · May 6, 2013 12:06PM

How great would it be, once the technology is there, to actually build the case entirely around a card and the flip instead of the two-piece slabs we have now?

ldferg · May 6, 2013 1:30PM

rack pack slab prototype???

elsnorto · May 6, 2013 1:44PM

If you think 3D printers are amazing, check out Organovo, one of my more speculative stock holdings:

Organovo Holdings, Inc. develops three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology for creating functional human tissues on demand for research and medical applications. The companys 3D NovoGen bioprinting technology works across various tissue and cell types, and allows for the placement of cells in desired pattern.

Forget printing out slabs... they can print out Joe Orlando!

Snorto~

addicted2ebay · May 6, 2013 2:04PM

I think we have a better chance of aliens landing here with a box full of PSA 10 52 Mantles.

lahmejoon · May 6, 2013 2:10PM

Tea, earl grey, hot.

TNP777 · May 6, 2013 2:10PM

<< Technology is the devil's work.

>>

What worries me about any new technology or noble idea is humanity's propensity for taking something that could be so beneficial and eventually twisting into something it was never intended for.

Stooge · May 6, 2013 2:51PM

<< Tea, earl grey, hot. >>

Jean Luc Picard's favorite drink!

Paul.

Estil · May 6, 2013 3:26PM

Indeed how does this compare to the replicators on Star Trek: The Next Generation? I mean we have real life 'padds" now (though iPads don't look quite so sturdy) which I think to date is the most advanced Star Trek technology that's actually come true for the general public.

Maurice · May 7, 2013 3:48AM

.

corncobb · May 7, 2013 6:50PM

Why would anyone waste the time money and effort trying to counterfit a slab, that is anything but counterfit proof already
in its current state.

Ive cracked literally 100's of slabs and a high % of them could be easily reused and go undetected.

The Beckett Slab is really the only one you have to destroy when cracking

All just another reason I like to keep em RAW

dtkk49a · May 15, 2013 3:28AM

Do these printers only create things in plastic? At least we don't have to worry about cards getting reproduced.

RyanAdmirer · May 15, 2013 3:37AM

Can I clone Kate Upton with one of these? If so I need to get some more cards up for sale.

jeffcbay · May 15, 2013 4:48AM

You can pick up a desktop 3D Printer for $499 if you want. A couple friends of mine we talking about pitching it to get one for ourselves (we're draftsmen/designers), but anything we would create with it we could probably buy for less than a buck somewhere, so it's really not worth it. I work with several companies who have been using these printers for years, using them to make prototypes and to test fitment for various items they sell. As far as making guns with them, some of you guys need to calm down a bit. You can make a gun out of anything as long as you have something to hit the blast cap of a bullet. Also, you have to have the ability to create 3D objects using certain 3D programs which most people have no clue about. The existence of 3D printers isn't the sign of the Apocalypse. Bad people will make bad things, whether these printers exist or not.

Here is an interesting video about desktop 3D printers.

mygotta · May 15, 2013 4:51AM

<< 

<< Technology is the devil's work.

>>

What worries me about any new technology or noble idea is humanity's propensity for taking something that could be so beneficial and eventually twisting into something it was never intended for. >>

Technology is a double edged sword - and it cares not how it is used. On the one hand, provided it does get used as it is intended, there is a good chance that either A) it will be too cheap to utilize and therefore suppressed;

they will charge in excess way beyond the actual cost to maintain their way of life.

Unless these devices get produced so that Staples or Target can sell them, the regular person is out of the loop.

Tabe · May 15, 2013 6:56AM

<< I must live under a rock, I dont even know what it is. >>

A 3D printer is a device that uses various powders and other materials to create 3D objects using a set of blueprints, adding layers and heating the object until it's solid. Imagine having a model/blueprint of a car on your computer monitor, hitting "print" and having the printer spit out a model car. An actual model car, not a flat printout. That's what they do.

mattinglymint23 · May 15, 2013 9:55AM

These printers have been around a lot longer than is evident. I was using these in the late 90's to prototype components for jewelry and coaxial connectors. They have been doing action figures on them for a while. Nothing to worry about here.

Bunker · May 15, 2013 12:33PM

<< Unless these devices get produced so that Staples or Target can sell them, the regular person is out of the loop >>

You can go and buy a desk top version tomorrow during your lunch break for $499

Tabe · May 16, 2013 6:27AM

<< These printers have been around a lot longer than is evident. I was using these in the late 90's to prototype components for jewelry and coaxial connectors. They have been doing action figures on them for a while. Nothing to worry about here. >>

My dad showed me one at a machine tool place like 15 years ago or more.

3-D PRINTERS - A THREAT TO THE HOBBY AND TPGs?

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