The methodology behind this study is pretty shaky. Most concerning is that their main claim - that $312 is a lot more than $18 - isn't held up by much searching.
As an example, you can get a decent silicone nano wristband for $2.78 online. They listed $16.98 as the "total retail cost". Similarly, a plastic iPad stand (though of not the same design) can be ordered online for $1.27, while the study listed $16.99.
Many items' retail prices were about 2x-5x higher than they could have been.
Of course, the RepRap cost doesn't include the cost of getting a RepRap, nor the ridiculous amount of time it takes to even keep it running. And, of course, doesn't include the cost of all the failed builds you'll inevitably run into when trying to print things.
As an example, you can get a decent silicone nano wristband for $2.78 online. They listed $16.98 as the "total retail cost". Similarly, a plastic iPad stand (though of not the same design) can be ordered online for $1.27, while the study listed $16.99.
Many items' retail prices were about 2x-5x higher than they could have been.
Of course, the RepRap cost doesn't include the cost of getting a RepRap, nor the ridiculous amount of time it takes to even keep it running. And, of course, doesn't include the cost of all the failed builds you'll inevitably run into when trying to print things.