3-D Printing of Small Parts

[Bigdav160]

I draw my parts in Sketchup (free) and export as .stl

Laser scanners are still $3k

The beauty is you can design or improve a design quickly

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by James the III

Not really as you still have to put the measurements in cad software..

now the laser plotting to build a 3d scan of a part is killer but that is a little pricey at the moment..

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

I draw my parts in Sketchup (free) and export as .stl

Laser scanners are still $3k

The beauty is you can design or improve a design quickly

Thanks guys.

LockDoc

[Robznob11]

I have been contemplating buying a 3d printer to do small stuff. I just wonder how sturdy the end products are? Also where would one look to compare printers so you can get the best bang for the buck so to speak....

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by Robznob11

I have been contemplating buying a 3d printer to do small stuff. I just wonder how sturdy the end products are? Also where would one look to compare printers so you can get the best bang for the buck so to speak....

I've printed many parts for various projects, and I will say that it is awesome for prototyping and test fitting, but not so great for longevity if it's a part that is going to be subject to any sort of stress. If you're trying to replace a part that broke over time or during normal operation, your printed part is sure to fail as well. A mould plastic part is always going to be considerably stronger than an identical printed part. Eventually, the layers that compose the print start to break apart under stress. There are ways to design the print so you can optimize strength, and you just have to keep this in mind when choosing what applications you want to utilize your 3D printer for.

I have several 3D printers at work, all of them the standard layer by layer extruded plastic type. These are the most common and readily available. Ours are either Makerbot or FlashForge (improved version of original Makerbot). FlashForge is an Amazon company, with Prime shipping you can have it and start printing in two days. This printer has been very dependable but it starts at about $1,000. There are many other options for much less than that, several of which are simply parts lists with build instructions for you to construct your own printer. We have one of these and it works but is very temperamental. There are plenty of printer comparison articles out there. This article is pretty good. I've used a few on this list and have found you get what you pay for, to a point. Anything under about $500 and it's going to require a fair bit of maintenance and supervision. Anything over about $1200 and you're just paying for extra (nonessential) features and maybe higher resolution.

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by hewittca

I've printed many parts for various projects, and I will say that it is awesome for prototyping and test fitting, but not so great for longevity if it's a part that is going to be subject to any sort of stress. If you're trying to replace a part that broke over time or during normal operation, your printed part is sure to fail as well. A mould plastic part is always going to be considerably stronger than an identical printed part. Eventually, the layers that compose the print start to break apart under stress. There are ways to design the print so you can optimize strength, and you just have to keep this in mind when choosing what applications you want to utilize your 3D printer for.

I have several 3D printers at work, all of them the standard layer by layer extruded plastic type. These are the most common and readily available. Ours are either Makerbot or FlashForge (improved version of original Makerbot). FlashForge is an Amazon company, with Prime shipping you can have it and start printing in two days. This printer has been very dependable but it starts at about $1,000. There are many other options for much less than that, several of which are simply parts lists with build instructions for you to construct your own printer. We have one of these and it works but is very temperamental. There are plenty of printer comparison articles out there. This article is pretty good. I've used a few on this list and have found you get what you pay for, to a point. Anything under about $500 and it's going to require a fair bit of maintenance and supervision. Anything over about $1200 and you're just paying for extra (nonessential) features and maybe higher resolution.

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

Appreciate the info. I don't know if I would do enough to justify the expense of buying one. I would probably be better off just paying someone to make the couple of pieces I need.... I read an article that said it is best to use the 3d printer to make a prototype and have parts molded from that. I did find a couple of places on Craigslist that do it so I'm going to check with them.

LockDoc

[supercheyenne]

Originally Posted by hewittca

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

Thanks for the insight. I've always been fascinated by them.

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by hewittca

I've printed many parts for various projects, and I will say that it is awesome for prototyping and test fitting, but not so great for longevity if it's a part that is going to be subject to any sort of stress. If you're trying to replace a part that broke over time or during normal operation, your printed part is sure to fail as well. A mould plastic part is always going to be considerably stronger than an identical printed part. Eventually, the layers that compose the print start to break apart under stress. There are ways to design the print so you can optimize strength, and you just have to keep this in mind when choosing what applications you want to utilize your 3D printer for.

I have several 3D printers at work, all of them the standard layer by layer extruded plastic type. These are the most common and readily available. Ours are either Makerbot or FlashForge (improved version of original Makerbot). FlashForge is an Amazon company, with Prime shipping you can have it and start printing in two days. This printer has been very dependable but it starts at about $1,000. There are many other options for much less than that, several of which are simply parts lists with build instructions for you to construct your own printer. We have one of these and it works but is very temperamental. There are plenty of printer comparison articles out there. This article is pretty good. I've used a few on this list and have found you get what you pay for, to a point. Anything under about $500 and it's going to require a fair bit of maintenance and supervision. Anything over about $1200 and you're just paying for extra (nonessential) features and maybe higher resolution.

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

Thank you sir!

[Burbor]

I sell, install, repair Stratasys 3D printers for a living. I have designed and printed several things for my Burb. One of the latest was a gas pedal mounting bracket to adapt my '69 to the later style gas pedal (cable vs linkage).

Printed in Ultem material, tapped holes are Heli-coiled.




LockDoc, you helped me out a while back, I'd be happy to return the favour if I can. Send me a note with what you're looking to do.

Rob

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Burbor

I sell, install, repair Stratasys 3D printers for a living. I have designed and printed several things for my Burb. One of the latest was a gas pedal mounting bracket to adapt my '69 to the later style gas pedal (cable vs linkage).

Printed in Ultem material, tapped holes are Heli-coiled.

LockDoc, you helped me out a while back, I'd be happy to return the favour if I can. Send me a note with what you're looking to do.

Rob

PM sent.

Thanks Rob,
LockDoc

[smith59]

I was thinking about what you were saying
I am confused in my choice, The list is very long, In your opinion what is the best printer in this list, And be suitable in price.