Making a 3D printer?
Making a 3D printer?
(OP)
Hi,
A bit off topic I guess but I wondered if anyone like me has an interest in a low cost 3D printer i.e. like a Printrbot? The thing is that from what I see I can't easily get one in the UK because they are either out of stock or in any case where would I buy? The real gist of this question then is how do I make one myself? Has anyone already been down this route annd can help me out?
Being a SolidWorks designer I have no issues with the mechanics of the device. In fact I design precision motorised drives so that part I fully understand. I believe the software is open source so available but the problem I have is with the drive electronics. Anyone got suggestions on where I could get something to drive the essential features of the device i.e. the motors, print head etc? Does it have to be a purpose made controller or could I use something more general purpose? Where could I source a suitable print head (extruder)?
If anyone can help out with this I'm happy to share info.
Freddy.
A bit off topic I guess but I wondered if anyone like me has an interest in a low cost 3D printer i.e. like a Printrbot? The thing is that from what I see I can't easily get one in the UK because they are either out of stock or in any case where would I buy? The real gist of this question then is how do I make one myself? Has anyone already been down this route annd can help me out?
Being a SolidWorks designer I have no issues with the mechanics of the device. In fact I design precision motorised drives so that part I fully understand. I believe the software is open source so available but the problem I have is with the drive electronics. Anyone got suggestions on where I could get something to drive the essential features of the device i.e. the motors, print head etc? Does it have to be a purpose made controller or could I use something more general purpose? Where could I source a suitable print head (extruder)?
If anyone can help out with this I'm happy to share info.
Freddy.






RE: Making a 3D printer?
Save yourself a lot of money and time. There are many good machines avialable for relatively low costs.
RE: Making a 3D printer?
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: Making a 3D printer?
RE: Making a 3D printer?
Looks, or is?
These might look like fun DIY projects, but significant R&D has gone into machines that really work.
If you want to experiment, that is fine - we have built machines that are fun to watch.
If you want to print parts - purchase a commercial machine that has millions of dollars of R&D and experience gained from thousands of units out in the field.
The cost of these machines is falling rapidy. In the near future I think it is going to be similar to 2D printers - the printer will be sold at nearly cost and the profit made from selling the build material.
RE: Making a 3D printer?
I think you are right about the cost trend being downwards.
The RepRap system is fine now for hold in your hand and show marketing representations and scale modelling. It is developing into a real part system as thousands of people work on it.
--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2011 SP 4.0
HP Pavillion Elite HPE
W7 Pro, Nvidia Quaddro FX580
RE: Making a 3D printer?
4 axis, A couple of Hand bridgeports, a couple of engine lathes.A really nice "old guy" hobby shop.I just hobby on my old cars and bikes, and do a job or two to make money for my hobbies. Art L
RE: Making a 3D printer?
My opinion is that there is enough competition in this field that the available machines are priced fairly. Go ahead - build your "home brew". Be sure and come back and show off the results. I'm betting even show and tell results will be harder to come by than you might think.
Keep an eye out for sub $7.5k USD small build envelope machines making news.
RE: Making a 3D printer?
RE: Making a 3D printer?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Making a 3D printer?
Just a couple of points though; some have suggested that there are cheap printers already out there. The answer is yes and no - I have chosen to disregard those made in the US as not only are they made using imperial fasteners etc but having looked they are either out of stock or the shipping costs to the UK are ridiculous! In any case I really don't want to spend many hundreds or even a thousand or so £'s. Further than that, some have said that when you can already obtain parts of better quality from service suppliers in just a few days why bother? My answer to that is that I already do that - a lot. Sometimes though I need something of lesser quality but really don't want to wait days for it. And in any case it easy to run up a pretty big bill in no time at all.
Freddy.
RE: Making a 3D printer?
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
RE: Making a 3D printer?
For having a printer, I suggest leasing one short term to get the feel of having one before jumping into owning or building one.
Chris
SolidWorks 11
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Making a 3D printer?
RE: Making a 3D printer?
Chris
SolidWorks 11
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Making a 3D printer?
Paying for ink whether you use it or not, having to presumably clean the damn thing occasionally, routine maintenance...
Many of the services provide very quick turns for the right price.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Making a 3D printer?
So, I took the plunge and bought a dual extruder Leapfrog Creatr. Waiting for delivery in the next week or so and will report when I have it if that is of interest.
RE: Making a 3D printer?
We await your experience and unbiased report.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Making a 3D printer?
This is not a cheap experimental.
This is an very inexpensive machine ($1300USD)that does a good job.
I am impressed with this machine.
http://cubify.com/
RE: Making a 3D printer?
Now you need Alibre to go with it
B.E.
The good engineer does not need to memorize every formula; he just needs to know where he can find them when he needs them. Old professor
RE: Making a 3D printer?
Jack L Tate - Xtreme Tower Products - SolidWorks 2011 - Windows XP Pro - RocketFish Mouse - SpaceNavigator - Slacker Radio - Swingline Stapler - Pop Tarts - C8H10N4O2 - Rental Bowling Shoes - Titanuim Spork - And that's all I need!