3D printers for home use!

VanceCrozier

 

Sprue-ce Goose:

 

Don Stauffer:

Sprue-ce Goose:

Not everyone designs in AutoCAD , but purchasing and downloading the finished CAM design ( via a  suitably fast network )  is feasible. Might eventually be another ITunes type download if network bandwidth speeds and prices are reasonable.

AutoCAD of course is a very expensive professional CAD program, but Autodesk, the company that sells AutoCAD has a very nice, and much cheaper CAD program called Autosketch.  In spite of the name, it is a full CAD program (though 2D only- no 3D).  Don't know if the files would be compatible with a 3D printer or not

Metal working machines need their own software to translate the AutoCad design into machine code that tells the motors on the machines what to do, ie; how many "steps" ( fractions of a turn) to take, how fast to turn and long to run in each direction ( X,Y,Z )

I presume the 3D printers use their own software to interpret the AutoCAD design.

 

 

....kinda glad now that I had taken 2 CAD and a CAM course in high school - it could be useful after all!!!

You can be Manny's aide, creating 3D models of - models..........

Actually I just read (forget where) that one of the cottage resin aftermarket makers used a 3d printer to create a master.

Could either of these be the article?

http://agapemodels.com/?p=6024

http://s362974870.onlinehome.us/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=237609

I saw ModelManTom's YouTube series last year on the MakerBot 3D extruder.  After he built it, with some modifications to allow for making larger pieces, he tried to make a model of the TARDIS from Doctor Who.  The technology is intriguing, but the model extruder he had available at the time created a 3D piece that showed a lot of marks from each layer of plastic that the extruder laid down as it followed the pattern file around in 3 dimensions.  I thought that we're still some years away for cheap and reliable versions of this technology, despite the gushing over 3D printing that has appeared in the media from time to time.

waikong

Actually I just read (forget where) that one of the cottage resin aftermarket makers used a 3d printer to create a master.

I do it too. Have a look: Click Here

This would come in really handy right now considering I just spent the last 3 days looking for a lost kit part.

/forums/t/147231.aspx

I just purchased A Replicator 2 last month and i have been finding all manner of uses for it.  I find its great for dioramas buildings and figures. I have also made specialized tools for assembly.    I have a few friends who are interested in N scale and HO scale trains who want one off pieces as well.  The only limits are the time it takes to learn how use it, The 100 micron resolution and you imagination.

    The last you should be your....forgot to proof read

Hey we'd love to see some part pictures!

p.s., you can edit your posts, click on that little pencil below it...