3D Printing

[Lanlan]

I've been getting really excited about 3D printing lately, how do you guys feel about it? I'd love to be able to print useful plastic things, one thing that immediately comes to mind is guitar picks. I could fix my broken case fan. Maybe drill bits and tools if the material is hard enough. Or make copies of keys.

I read about being able to print receivers for guns, I think that's the part that's technically the firearm, like you can buy a gun online sans the receiver, just print a receiver, and you have an operational weapon without ever leaving your house.

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

I'd love to have a 3D printer, but it'd be one of those things where I have no practical uses for it and I'd just sit around making stupid shit with it.

 

[Gahars]

I love 3D printing, but mostly because I want a damned Star Trek-level replicator already.

 

[DinohScene]

I love 3D printing, but mostly because I want a damned Star Trek-level replicator already.

Exactly my thoughts.

 

[FAST6191]

It is a great tool, especially when coupled with a few different types of CNC machine and maybe a more conventional machine shop, but I often see people wander in expecting something at the grade of star trek replicator or at least able to make any plastic/non structural metal widget that they so desire. They can do the latter but expect to spend time finishing it, spending far more than a simple makerbot or equivalent costs and gaining an appreciation for proper engineering. Mind you none of those issues is insurmountable or even all that troubling.

 

[narutofan777]

it would be something nice to have.

 

[EMP Knightmare]

 

[Smuff]

I am waiting for home 3D printing to become more affordable, at which time I shall begin my quest to print the perfect woman.

 

[Gahars]

I am waiting for home 3D printing to become more affordable, at which time I shall begin my quest to print the perfect woman.

And on that day, Weird Science becomes normal science.

 

[FAST6191]

Didn't feel like making a new thread so posting here.
I was wandering around a UK costco earlier and they had a 3d printer on the shelf (plus demo unit in glass) for about a grand, it was just a Cubify one but it is still a proper one. I would not be too surprised to see one in a DIY shop, however I had not expected to see on in a general shop for a couple of years yet.

 

[Veho]

A local electrics/electronics store is selling "the first Croatian 3D printer" (actually a rebranded Myriwell printer) for $1200. It's not exactly a general shop but it's not a DIY store either, and it's just a matter of time before some chain of general stores adds it to their computer section.

 

[elmoemo]

I would love one and use it to make custom cases for consoles and controllers etc. And handy if you lose a plastic part of a toy or something sjmilar

 

[Drink the Bleach]

I can't wait until the 3D printer "ink" costs more than the printer.

 

[FAST6191]

I can't wait until the 3D printer "ink" costs more than the printer.

In some ways it has kind of already happened. A lot of 3d printing companies, most of which have since failed, have tried to sell their own brand of plastic, or at least some wound onto their own bobbin. Similarly there are 3d printers and other machines (subtractive and additive) that would see that happen in fairly short order by basic materials cost.

 

[Veho]

In some ways it has kind of already happened. A lot of 3d printing companies, most of which have since failed, have tried to sell their own brand of plastic, or at least some wound onto their own bobbin. Similarly there are 3d printers and other machines (subtractive and additive) that would see that happen in fairly short order by basic materials cost.

Stereolithographic printers have their expensive proprietary resins but for most printers you can find some cheap replacement. I'm curious to see the methods they come up with to enforce their own materials. Microchips in the plastic or something.

 

[sandytf]

A few months ago, I saw a MakerBot at a Microsoft store. We recently got a 3D printer at work, so I didn't bother looking at it in great detail.

 

[Drink the Bleach]

In some ways it has kind of already happened. A lot of 3d printing companies, most of which have since failed, have tried to sell their own brand of plastic, or at least some wound onto their own bobbin. Similarly there are 3d printers and other machines (subtractive and additive) that would see that happen in fairly short order by basic materials cost.

I was making a joke because in most cases, its more economical to buy an entire new printer with starter ink carts, than buying OEM ink carts. Not very environmental, but depending on what type of printer you buy, you can save $5 by just replacing your entire machine. Printer Ink from the manufacturer costs more per ounce than gasoline, vintage wine, and in some cases, silver.

 

[Queno138]

Custom Gunpla parts

 

[Veho]

I was making a joke because in most cases, its more economical to buy an entire new printer with starter ink carts, than buying OEM ink carts.

They stopped including full cartridges with new printers, now they only give you a test-sample-sized cartridge and it's cheaper (but still expensive) to buy OEM toner.

 

[nando]

I'd love to have a 3D printer, but it'd be one of those things where I have no practical uses for it and I'd just sit around making stupid shit with it.

i'd probably end up with some restarted cereal bowls.