The CAD file rules. Digital copies are now a staple of our culture. Just wait until ubiquitous "piracy" of tangible products happens. Behold:
Clearly, in the wrong hands, machines like the Mill5 could become first-class knockoff factories (although the equipment is expensive: a Mill5 can cost $100,000 to $600,000, depending on options). Mr. Lash said he would not copy a sculpture without the right permission, and Mr. Chang agreed. "If someone brought me their Henry Moore and said, hey, make a replica for me, I wouldn't take it on."
All it takes is a little time. Scanners. CD burners. DVD burners. Before I retire, I'll have my own little milling machine.