Glad to see James Cameron weighing in because James Cameron knows the people need James Cameron's opinion

I agree that monetary policy can be a driving factor, but so can many other factors. Demand increased during the pandemic as supply dropped. Also, cost-pushes seemed to be a big driver in the current cycle, mixed with rising wages. It's reductive to say that inflation is caused by monetary policy, especially considering the current inflation is worldwide with very different monetary policies among the different countries effected.

However, all of it comes down to an effort to increase profits. Whether it's pulled by demand, pushed by costs, monetary policy, rising wages - the inflated prices all happen because profits can be increased for corporations at that moment. Corporations are not increasing prices solely to cover higher costs for materials and/or labor. If they were, margins would remain the same. The margins are increasing rapidly.

Lots of factors drive inflation, but prices increase because corporations want to increase profit margins.

Comgrow has Amazon returns printers for $69. There are no returns and may be missing a part or two (mine was missing belts and the bed), but if you plan to tinker anyway, the parts are not terribly expensive.

That said, it definitely requires money. You'll still need filament, at the least. You're not going to get into 3d printing for free. Try to get a part-time job. Since it's the summer, ask neighbors to mow their yards for money.

Used/Returned Ender 3

That just sounds like a profit circle-jerk, imo.

Widget Inc. is inflating their prices. Inflation doesn't happen in a vacuum, right? Corporations are the one's inflating the prices. So, they also have to increase their profits to match their own inflationary actions?

Net profit is net profit, and we are seeing corporations' nets soar far higher than inflation rates. I don't see how increasing their profits is necessary just because their own inflated prices deem it.

Reminds me of this Woody Woodpecker episode

If you've got a problem with Canada Gooses, you've got a problem with me. And I suggest you let that one marinate