3D Printers are the future

[DreamThinkBuild]

Hi All,

@Hoptoad,

Thanks for the comment. 

I think with the way the economy is going we have to start learning to manufacture our own goods. From gardening to manufacturing at home.

@IancaIV,

It is amazing how small they are going with this technology and also how big. They have "contour crafting" which will allow full size buildings to be constructed on site from a 3D floorplan.

http://blog.ponoko.com/2012/02/27/3d-printed-buildings-on-the-moon/

Fablabs and hackerspaces are other places that allow access to manufacturing tools, 3D printers, laser cutters and other machines. Check around in your area they might have one near you.

@Broli,

Thanks for the makibot link. I'm keeping an eye on different 3D printers they are still kind of expensive and evolving. It seems like each year the print resolution and material gets better. It would be great to be able to take all the waste plastic and just regrind it down and use it in your printer to make more stuff. That would greatly reduce the need for relying on a single source distributor of printing material.

I've done some more tests with the printer and you can make mold forms. I printed a mold form for a leaky garden hose washer and molded it with shore 2 medical grade silicone(nontoxic), came out great. No more leaks and don't have to run to the store to buy some more washers.

[broli]

3d printers are getting more affordable and new/better/cheaper ones always keep popping up.

I want to mention the makibox: http://makibox.com/details/product/A6-HT

It's a small 3d printer which uses a few clever ideas to eliminate some of the disadvantages typical to 3d printers. However it's still being developed but it's very close to be beta tested and shipped afterwards. You can follow their open development on their main website. Makible are also one of the few to address the plastic recycling issue, this is quite big in itself meaning you never have to throw away scrap plastic or failed parts but you could just recycle them back into filament.

Then there's this newly launched kickstarter project, the RoBo3d: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1682938109/robo-3d-printer?ref=live

This is another affordable 3d printer with a larger printing volume than the makibox. However the extra abs kit, with heated bed, costs a little more. But this is still nearly 1/3-1/4 the cost of more popular 3d printers like the Replicator 2, Cube 3d printer or the Up! printer.

I myself ordered a Makibox and can't wait on its arrival.

[DreamThinkBuild]

Hi Broli,

Congratulations on your 3D printer. 

The Makibot sounds pretty cool. I like the way you don't need to use Kapton tape for the build platform. Have to show some prints when you get it up and running. It looks like they are still working on the plastic recycling have to keep an eye on that.

The RoBo3D sounds like a great printer too. The build volume is really nice.

It's amazing how fast these printers have evolved and lowered in price.

I attached some simple functions I wrote in Octave that might save you some time or anyone else. I also have a quick Excel sheet with formulas for the arc and box calc.

The first time I tried printing round holes for bolts the diameter was always too small. Finally found out after a couple prints of trial and error that you have to take into account the nozzle diameter (.40mm on the maker bot, the Maki bot looks the same unless you go with the .3mm or .5mm nozzle). Think of a thick magic marker drawing a circle, the width of the marker will overlap the center line on either side. Same with square holes if you want magnets to fit snug into the design.

Once that was solved I was able to make things fit exact. The attached motor mount is one example, everything fits snug and the screw holes are exact diameter.

[DreamThinkBuild]

Hi All,

I just seen this 3D printer survey with a chance of winning a printer of your choice up to $2500.

It seems they are some kind of marketing research company so read terms carefully if you do enter, see how they use your information. I also didn't see any privacy policy.

I did not enter since I already own a printer.

The link is here:
http://www.big-3dp-survey.com/index.php

[Dam]

Ehm, this link is a bit outdated: the prizes have been drawn February 2012...