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Anyone used one as they seem to be getting cheaper. Obviously the cheap ones won't be super detailed but they still look fun for making scaled models etc. Is there a market leading brand? Thanks
RepRap or makerBot seem to be the best things in the prosumer/amateur modeller categories.
I'm still working on the wife to let me get one, but she's slightly put off by the initial cost for something that would effectively be a toy.
I so want one though...
Didn't even know they existed until daughter #1 came back from school last week and said they had one and that it was very cool.
yeah I've seen those kit ones they are apparently decent enough, although I have no first hand experience. HP seem to make a more professional looking unit.
the quality of the DIY ones it pretty poor, seems they need a lot of after work to get a nice looking prototype,
there are plenty of third parties offering to prototype using the high end machines,
I have seen ZCorp machines running in a design and development facility to make prototype footwear, which was quite interesting,
The cost of the raw materials is pretty high, we get the use of one for free here at work but have to pay for materials and it's still ~200 quid for a set of 4 intake trumpets.
Out of interest have a look at Additive Layer Manufacturing. They managed to manufacture a working bike in (virtually) one process. Will have potential for bike components when the price comes down.
Could you not get someone with a large one to print you a home use one?
Selective laser melting is where it's at. Titanium parts in virtually any shape 🙂
fourbanger - Member
Out of interest have a look at Additive Layer Manufacturing. They managed to manufacture a working bike in (virtually) one process. Will have potential for bike components when the price comes down.
I helped design and build that 🙂
coffeeking - Member
Selective laser melting is where it's at. Titanium parts in virtually any shape
We do that too. Titanium, Scalmalloy, Al, Inconel, HiTen Steel for Aerospace, F1, SSC, etc...
If I had access to such a machine cheaply I'd be making machines that took over the world. 🙂
Daffy, you weren't responsible for gluing the stem to the forks were you?!