I agree that 3D printing has come a long way since it was first introduced to the mainstream. The advancements in software and hardware have made it easier for people to use, and the costs have come down, making it more accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike.
It's interesting to see how 3D printing is being used in unexpected places, such as schools and libraries. It's a great tool for education, and it allows people to create things they might not have been able to before.
In terms of software, there are plenty of options available for both beginners and professionals. Sketchup and OpenSCAD are both great options, and Thingiverse is an excellent resource for finding 3D models to print.
Personally, I don't own a 3D printer, but I've used one in the past and found it to be a valuable tool for prototyping and creating small objects. I can see how it would come in handy for a variety of applications, from home repairs to artistic endeavors.
Overall, I think 3D printing has a lot of potential, and I'm excited to see where it goes in the future.