3D printer info

Fri Mar 21 11:43:49 CDT 2014

I notice that PrintrBot just announced their metal Simple, for delivery in a couple of weeks.  At about $700, it looks interesting.

One of the guys here bought a printrbot Simple a couple of months ago, and he is having a good time with it.  He has done a couple of upgrades already, and doesn’t yet have the heated bed, which he will be getting.

It looked pretty good, which was the reason I asked in the first place.

The “Cube” at Staple requires you to buy their proprietary cartridges, which is a non-starter to me.
73, Terry, WB4JFI

From: Martin 
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2014 10:55 AM
To: Tacos 
Subject: Re: 3D printer info

I agree that FDM 3D printing has been over-hyped:  From RepRap.org - "RepRap is humanity's first general-purpose self-replicating manufacturing machine". 

There's a lot of amazing things being done in the physical computing/3D realm, but FDM 3D printing may not be that great even if made as cheap and reliable as today's ink jet printing.

Another option.  There are services that offer 3D printing using other techniques that can print metal like Shapeways  This might also help get up the learning curve with 3D deisgn entry.

As a toy there's a lot of interesting technology to learn and tinker with.  Some people are even starting to do DIY laser sintering for 3D metal printing and 3D epoxy printing.  If you want to get your hands dirty, FDM 3D printer kits start around $500.  I can't suggest any in particular though the open source Prusa Mendel 2 and Rostock style seems to be popular designs with the local community.

A data point on the printer that Staples sells - the "Cube" 3D printer for $1,299.99.  I know of one dying after just six hours of use.  The nichrome wire in the extrudder broke off at it's connector.  At first look the Cube looked like it's heavy stamped steel frame would be more vibration resistant than many of the DIY designs built out of metal rods.  But it does vibrate and hurts print quality.

I wouldn't buy a Makerbot for a number of reasons, quality and customer service reputation among them.

Martin

2014-03-20 21:17 GMT-04:00 Phil <philmt59 at aol.com>:

  Y'all may find this helpful:

  http://tinyurl.com/n9gbha6

  Phil M1GWZ

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