In the market for a 3D printer - recomendations

[TMcRally]

Hi

Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

I'm in the market for a 3D printer for early design prototyping and proof of concept for customers.

Max size part would be 320L x 220W x 55H mm

I need high standard of finish straight off the machine with a durable material (eg. Nylon 12) - don't care to much about speed or cost of materials if the initial cost of the machine is reduced.

I have tried to talk to sales people but they all have a whole raft of concepts coupled with a unique and advanced portfolio of solutions and then finish by saying they enjoyed connecting with me - I have to have a shower each time.

I'm hoping someone has a more straight forward contact or maybe some advice on which way to go.

Thanks
Dave

 

[KENAT]

forum1536 might be a better place for this although I'm not sure how busy it gets.

I suggest you post this over there and then redflag this post for deletion by management using the red flag link at the bottom of your message.

If in a few days you don't get a good response then maybe start a post here with a link to your thread over in that other forum to try and generate a bit more traffic.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[tomwalz]

I think Make Magazine online just did one.

Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.

 

[ajack1]

From the information you have given I would speak to these people.

http://www.stratasys.com/3D-Printers/production-series/fortus-360mc

 

[KENAT]

OK, as this discussion has taken off forget about re-posting.

I just remembered we had a sales lady in from a company called TEKPRO a few months back. They rented out 3D printers of various sizes and capabilities etc.

http://www.tekprogroup.com/

though it looks like they've merged their 3D printing business with GoEngineer

http://www.goengineer.com/Products/3D-Printers.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[MikeHalloran]

If you want a good finish without a lot of hand work, 3D printing is not the right process for you.

It happens that nylon machines nicely with sharp tools, so a 3-axis milling machine might be a good solution.

Nylon also molds nicely, so a low-volume injection molder who works with aluminum tooling may be able to help you for a reasonable price.

If you can post an image of the desired part without giving away the store, other ideas may occur.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[FeX32]

I second stratasys


"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." L. da Vinci
- Gian

 

[ivymike]

What initial cost are you after?

 

[berkshire]

TMcRally,
This 3D printer report in Gizmag magazine may help if you have not made a decision yet.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.