3D Printer/Printing thread

[Tober]

Continued from the Vent thread:

3d printing systems held the promotion that i missed out on. I have contacted them and although they were apologetic that i missed out ireally dont think they cared much. The promotion was an american 'black friday' style sale. 100's of people interested, only a couple [less than 10] units up for grabs.
Why you would go out of your way to aggravate, infuriate and alienate you potential customer base, defies logic...

that being said, The UP plus printer [available from 3d printing systems au/nz] is probably the best hobbyist 3D printer on the market, but it is still just a little expensive. The up plus has a metal chassis, and is very sturdy. The up mini has a smaller build envelope

And yes you could design a weapon/sword/mace in sketchup, and then convert that into an STL file, send that to the printer and [these machines are slow!] it will build it for you. Awesome yes.

I have been closely following this technology since early 2005.

So when it says it can print "Layer resolution of 200 microns." what is a 'layer'?

I get most of the models I get printed are through Moddler.com who have a resolution of:

In the X and Y axes, we can print at a resolution of 600 dpi or 42 microns. In the Z axis, we can print in a mind-bogglingly small 1600 dpi or 16 microns. (A micron is 1/1000th of a millimeter.) That's about 20% as thick as a human hair!

So I remain somewhat dubious of the quality as I'm told that even the best 3D printers can't actually print detail less than 0.2mm. And even then you will need finishing skills to refine the model.

[Bidoofdude]

As I said before, we should really start an initiative with hasbro, if we can get enough support. There are lots of possibilities. Heads, weapons, spare parts, etc.
Really good.

[morg176]

So when it says it can print "Layer resolution of 200 microns." what is a 'layer'?

I get most of the models I get printed are through Moddler.com who have a resolution of:

So I remain somewhat dubious of the quality as I'm told that even the best 3D printers can't actually print detail less than 0.2mm. And even then you will need finishing skills to refine the model.

The model you send to the 3d printer is printed one layer on top of another. Each layer can be as thin as 200 microns. but of course it is not as simple as that. Would you be able to post a link of a picture of the stuff you get printed? perhaps with a close up?

As for models from hastak, start up sketchup and try to design your own!

[Tober]

The model you send to the 3d printer is printed one layer on top of another. Each layer can be as thin as 200 microns. but of course it is not as simple as that. Would you be able to post a link of a picture of the stuff you get printed? perhaps with a close up?

I don't have a camera that is capable of decent macro. I'll see if I can get it done later this week.

This is a client approval pic of the model from the printer himself:



That grill mesh used to be 0.2mm in diameter, but I had to increase the width to 0.5 or it wouldn't survive the cleaning processes. I also had to increase the shell thickness from 0.5 to 1mm or it could warp or be too fragile.

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[UltraMarginal]

That grill mesh used to be 0.2mm in diameter, but I had to increase the width to 0.5 or it wouldn't survive the cleaning processes. I also had to increase the shell thickness from 0.5 to 1mm or it could warp or be too fragile.

.

That sounds about similar to my experiences with Shapeways

[morg176]

thats a nice print.
if i may ask, what did it cost to get that printed?
and how long did it take?

[Tober]

That sounds about similar to my experiences with Shapeways

Yeah, Shapeways have been remarkably unimpressive lately, apparently.

thats a nice print.
if i may ask, what did it cost to get that printed?
and how long did it take?

Thanks. Looks nice in that photo. A macro photo would expose the stepping tho.

It was $35 from Moddler.com for the 56 x 20 x 50mm shell.

shaapeways.com wanted $8 for 'Strong and Flexible', $12 for 'Fine Detail'
ownage.com wanted $100
clayboxstudio.com wanted $300... yeah... maybe they confused mm for cm or maybe not...

[morg176]

thats a huge price range difference.
one of the problems i guess.
I've had ideas and simple designs in my head for decades. but the only way i can make some of what i design is to 3d print it.
just waiting for a decent price. Im a bit of a scrooge.
i could also use in in school.

sigh

[Tober]

and how long did it take?

Oops! Forgot the time-frame.

It was within three business days, which is their standard. I think you can request a faster turn-around if you're under a deadline or something.

I'd be eager to see some un-finished macros of what the home 3D printers can produce.

[morg176]

when I eventually purchase an up, I'll be sure to post a photo, I do have a sample printed on the up. Ill see if I can get a decent macro.