Originally Posted by
blacknbluebikes
what we really need is ability to archive a digital version of the parts, 'cause one day someone will be able to 3d print you one in the material of your choice.
This.
This is so true! And these digital designs should be made public, not kept secret as intellectual property. Honestly, who's going to make much more than pocket money on reproduction antique bike parts?
Even now, there are a lot of stamped and folded sheet metal things (Nivex derailleur for example) which should be digitized so anybody can get them waterjet- or laser-cut from their material of choice, and make their own. With CNC machining, the possibilities are already near endless. Often the hard part is finding a proper CAD drawing to start with. Getting someone to draw up the part properly can be a huge challenge!