3D Printing

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

I have just read the editorial on 3D Printing, and this is a new subject for me, so wasn’t it a pity that it did not explain what it was. Once again, this was just free advertising space at our expense. The editorial would have been much more use if it explained what ‘Self replicating Open source 3D printers’ were. On searching the net, I did find out what it actually was – a new name for 3D prototyping.

 

I think it would have been more helpful if we were enlightened with the typical sorts of materials that could be deposited, and some photos of what could be made (with model engineers in mind).

 

So, what’s for the future – Sit in front of a CAD screen, press a button and overnight out pops a fully working model from the workshop.

 

I guess I have lost the plot …………………

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Robert,

That future may not be far ahead :-0
The RepRap project is worth a look

http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

MichaelG.

Seriously though … Whilst there are many uses for 3D printing,
I’m sure that traditional craftsmanship will be alive and well, in workshops all over the world, long after I’m gone.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 29/11/2011 20:02:30

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 29/11/2011 20:03:03

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Discussed similar issues with my Dad. He is a lifelong electrician/electronic guy, and its one of my hobbies.

 

We don’t begrudge those that want to design things at a computer screen, but both feel that ‘making things’ is a seperate world. OK I do like letting a power hacksaw do the work, but half the joy of turning is feeling the feedback from the cut with your fingers.

 

Neil

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

And they don’t have to stop you from machining metal, why not use one to print that intricate pattern and then get it cast? A few clicks of the button will add any shrinkage and machining allowances to the basic drawn part.

 

J

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