I just saw 3D printing for the first time. Wow!

Number Six · 22nd April 2012, 07:58 PM

I'm guessing that at least some others here have seen it but today was my first time. It's like science fiction. It really is sorta like a replicator on Star Trek. Rather than explain it, which might be hard, just check out the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ-aWFYT_SU

Thoughts? My first thought was "Wow!"

geni · 22nd April 2012, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by Number Six

I'm guessing that at least some others here have seen it but today was my first time. It's like science fiction. It really is sorta like a replicator on Star Trek. Rather than explain it, which might be hard, just check out the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ-aWFYT_SU

Thoughts? My first thought was "Wow!"

Hmm well that's the impractically expensive high end version. In terms of something that the average person might be able to afford to use (although at present the results are far more limited) this version that uses sand as its feedstock looks more interesting:

http://vimeo.com/25401444

OnlyTellsTruths · 22nd April 2012, 08:21 PM

The OP must be expensive because it looks like a scam!

They did make the "copy" part look easier than it must be. For instance, they didn't show where (or when) the information for the "wheel works" of the wrench was added.

Dinwar · 22nd April 2012, 08:22 PM

There are 3D printers that print in chocolate.

There are programs that allow you to print things you create in Minecraft.

Confectioners can now play one of the most addictive games I've ever encountered and legitimately claim to be working.

If that's not enough for you, my uncle once saw them print a car, douse it with water (some of the printed components were water-soluble, others weren't), and drive it off the stage (obviously after filling it with gas). Didn't drive much further, but still...

rjh01 · 22nd April 2012, 11:59 PM

Try and google 3d printer. Then you get some interesting pages on the subject.

NewtonTrino · 23rd April 2012, 07:49 AM

I love 3d printing tech. Someday every home will have one.

Safe-Keeper · 23rd April 2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

there are 3d printers that print in chocolate.

wants!

geni · 23rd April 2012, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by OnlyTellsTruths

The OP must be expensive because it looks like a scam!

Its expensive because of the materials used.

Careyp74 · 23rd April 2012, 08:04 AM

There are other types of 3d printers out there on the cheap that use a heat head with plastic strips, instead of the flat bed and powder seen on the videos thus far (the sand one is GENIUS!)

You can find these for hundreds of dollars instead of thousands. There is a Kickstart project going on for one now too. Someday we will all have them in our houses.

I got my first intro to them in engineering school at MCCC, we had a top o' teh line one that we all got to play with.

Originally Posted by OnlyTellsTruths

The OP must be expensive because it looks like a scam!

They did make the "copy" part look easier than it must be. For instance, they didn't show where (or when) the information for the "wheel works" of the wrench was added.

Did you notice that the wrench they scanned didn't have a key ring on it, but the one on the cad program did?

Careyp74 · 23rd April 2012, 08:12 AM

OTT's concern deals with the complicated intricacy of the screw works in the wrench, along with the slide. Although it can be created on a 3d printer and work, it cannot be scanned that easily. The computer does not know automatically that there is an axis going into the main wrench body allowing it to spin.

You would have to create something like that in the cad program itself, then print it out.

Christian Klippel · 23rd April 2012, 08:36 AM

You can also print candy stuff, and even build that machine yourself:

http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/candyfab

Then, there is the repRap project:

http://reprap.org

....and countless others....

Greetings,

Chris

ETA: Forgot to mention the MakerBot: http://www.makerbot.com/

kedo1981 · 23rd April 2012, 08:44 AM

I want to use a maker bot to make one off doll heads based on 3d scans of real people

Baloney · 23rd April 2012, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by Number Six

I'm guessing that at least some others here have seen it but today was my first time. It's like science fiction. It really is sorta like a replicator on Star Trek. Rather than explain it, which might be hard, just check out the video.

Like the Star Trek replicator? Not quite.

However, if you can create it in 3D CAD application, you can probably print it. There are several companies and websites where you can create 3D objects (like AutoDesk 123D) or use other people's 3D objects (like Thingiverse), and then print out those 3D designs in plastic or metal (like Shapeways). You can also do it all yourself on any number of "low-cost" (usually under $2000-$5000 depending on model) DIY 3D printers (like the MakerBot, Fab@Home, and RepRap).

If you're interested, you can check out all of the cool stuff going on in the "Maker" movement from magazines like Make Magazine.

[ETA: Looks like Christian Klippel beat me to the punch.

]

Marduk · 23rd April 2012, 09:06 AM

can you get one that makes cylindrical shaped objects with a vibrating motor built in ?
and is it possible to scan genitalia ?

Careyp74 · 23rd April 2012, 09:07 AM

Baloney mentioned AutoDesk. You can use that to also create 3d sculptures out of cardboard the same way that these 3d printers work. I never go around to it but wanted to do that so badly at one point.

Baloney · 23rd April 2012, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Marduk

can you get one that makes cylindrical shaped objects with a vibrating motor built in ?
and is it possible to scan genitalia ?

Absolutely! Just not yours.

Delvo · 23rd April 2012, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Baloney

if you can create it in 3D CAD application, you can probably print it. There are several companies and websites where you can create 3D objects (like AutoDesk 123D) or use other people's 3D objects (like Thingiverse), and then print out those 3D designs in plastic or metal (like Shapeways).

I was an X-ray student at a hospital whose radiology department made physical models of patients' spines and such, from data obtained with a CT scanner.

BenBurch · 23rd April 2012, 12:03 PM

Well, replicators, flying cars, personal helicopters, vehicular autopilots, a space station, computers and networking in every pocket, ecological disaster just on the horizon... It's finally the future.

Aber · 23rd April 2012, 12:31 PM

You missed the sonic screwdriver....

Careyp74 · 23rd April 2012, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Marduk

and is it possible to scan genitalia ?

You did catch the part about only being ably to scan 40 microns? Zing.

rustypouch · 23rd April 2012, 12:53 PM

There's one of these I get to play with at work:

http://www.fortus.com/products/fortus-400mc.aspx

Silly Green Monkey · 23rd April 2012, 12:53 PM

Can it make my skeleton?

Baloney · 23rd April 2012, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

Well, replicators, flying cars, personal helicopters, vehicular autopilots, a space station, computers and networking in every pocket, ecological disaster just on the horizon... It's finally the future.

Nominated!

Stomatopoda · 23rd April 2012, 01:45 PM

It's going to be hilarious when the collectible figure makers start complaining about piracy from these.

X · 23rd April 2012, 01:47 PM

We were looking at getting an "additive manufacturing" (as the devices are now called) where I work. We do fibreglass, and we figured it would be a boon to be able to print out masters* for small parts directly from CAD models.

The problem we had was finding one which used a material that could be sanded and prepped and used to make a mold. There are many types of rapid prototypers/3D printers/additive manufacturers available, using a wide variety of materials. Some can even create production-ready parts (TORO sprinklers, for instance, made functional prototypes for a 100 psi-capable sprinkler head this way). In our case, we were looking at fused deposition units. We trialed several samples from a nearby company specializing in such devices, but unfortunately, even the high-end materials for this process did not meet our requirements. A pity, as I had already declared "dibs" on the unit. And more expensive devices (using more expensive materials) simply aren't cost-effective. It's cheaper at that point for our customers to order carvings** made from MDF on a massive CNC mill. Even if it takes 10 weeks.

They are very cool though. At the university, they have a laser/resin system (stereolythography) with unbelievable resolution. I saw a model they made of a hand (which had been digitally scanned). It was 3 inches tall. You could make out every line, loop and whorl, crease and crevice. Amazing.

Aside: We also looked at getting 3D scanners. The hand-held camera units. Also cool. Turns out, they don't like shiny surfaces (which our molds are, because they need to be smooth and slick). And they couldn't resolve the very fine surface graduations/waviness we were seeing on molds, which was what we wanted to use them to test for. They look for all the world like the alien cameras from War of the Worlds.

ETA: That Fortus rustypouch linked to is the one we were looking at. The Polycarbonate it can use was the material which showed the most promise for our applications. But it couldn't be easily sanded (without losing dimensional accuracy), and we had other problems with prepping for pulling masters/molds.

Furcifer · 23rd April 2012, 02:00 PM

I've seen a solar powered 3-D printer that uses sand to make glass objects. I'll see if I can find the video.

steve s · 23rd April 2012, 02:02 PM

Here's a company in San Francisco that does some impressive work. Some of the models have a rough finish, but check out the V11 Valkyrie model. It looks as smooth as injection molded styrene.

http://www.moddler.com/portfolio

One of my hobbies is model railroading (no I don't have a layout.) There's a lot of talk around the modeling forums about how this could change the hobby. A lot of locomotive types aren't available because manufacturers know that there isnt' enough demand for them to recoup their initial production costs. With 3D printing, every type of engine and freight car will be available.
I've been into 3D modeling since the mid '90s. There's a few train items I've been meaning to model if I ever get around to it.

Steve S

BenBurch · 23rd April 2012, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Silly Green Monkey

Can it make my skeleton?

Parts of it, yes;

http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/3...opedic-surgeo/

Comrade Raptor · 23rd April 2012, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by steve s

Here's a company in San Francisco that does some impressive work. Some of the models have a rough finish, but check out the V11 Valkyrie model. It looks as smooth as injection molded styrene.

http://www.moddler.com/portfolio

One of my hobbies is model railroading (no I don't have a layout.) There's a lot of talk around the modeling forums about how this could change the hobby. A lot of locomotive types aren't available because manufacturers know that there isnt' enough demand for them to recoup their initial production costs. With 3D printing, every type of engine and freight car will be available.
I've been into 3D modeling since the mid '90s. There's a few train items I've been meaning to model if I ever get around to it.

Steve S

That would finally allow me to make some NF-210's instead of just using GP-7/9's and hoping nobody notices. They look the same from the front . . . not so much in the back, no.

Visual Purple · 23rd April 2012, 05:06 PM

I've ordered a few objects from Shapeways to get a feel for what the process can do. Haven't looked at anything ceramic. The strength of the plastic has not been up to what conventionally molded plastic often is, but it's acceptable for decorative applications. The fine details are also not as fine as some molding, but the shapes can be far more complex than anything I can imagine making from a mold.

Marduk · 23rd April 2012, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Careyp74

You did catch the part about only being ably to scan 40 microns? Zing.

I don't understand why you think I would want to scan your genitalia
zing back

OnlyTellsTruths · 23rd April 2012, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Careyp74

OTT's concern deals with the complicated intricacy of the screw works in the wrench, along with the slide. Although it can be created on a 3d printer and work, it cannot be scanned that easily. The computer does not know automatically that there is an axis going into the main wrench body allowing it to spin.

You would have to create something like that in the cad program itself, then print it out.

Right, the video in the OP left out the part where that information was entered into the design to be printed.

Originally Posted by Stomatopoda

It's going to be hilarious when the collectible figure makers start complaining about piracy from these.

So once replicators (3D printers) are cheap the US government will make them illegal?

Careyp74 · 24th April 2012, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by Furcifer

I've seen a solar powered 3-D printer that uses sand to make glass objects. I'll see if I can find the video.

Geni linked that earlier

X · 24th April 2012, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by OnlyTellsTruths

So once replicators (3D printers) are cheap the US government will make them illegal?

I can see proposals for regulation and taxation of the raw materials coming about. To which I can also see protests.

EHocking · 24th April 2012, 05:56 AM

Build your own with Lego^(R) .

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the JREF. The JREF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

BenBurch · 24th April 2012, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by EHocking

Build your own with Lego^(R) .

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the JREF. The JREF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

Impressive. Most Impressive.

Pulvinar · 24th April 2012, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by EHocking

Build your own with Lego^(R) .

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the JREF. The JREF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

Fun, though technically that's a CNC mill (subtractive), not a 3D printer.

Careyp74 · 24th April 2012, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by Pulvinar

Fun, though technically that's a CNC mill (subtractive), not a 3D printer.

True. Although, it shouldn't be hard to put a thermal head on that machine to create a 3d printer. The coding just needs to deal with adding inside the form, instead of removing outside of it.

X · 24th April 2012, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by Careyp74

True. Although, it shouldn't be hard to put a thermal head on that machine to create a 3d printer. The coding just needs to deal with adding inside the form, instead of removing outside of it.

Or one that uses Lego bricks as raw material?

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the JREF. The JREF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

I believe the build-it-yourself deposition modeller (reprap/makerbot) has been mentioned already this this thread.

Careyp74 · 24th April 2012, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by X

Or one that uses Lego bricks as raw material?

Legos that build legos. Does anyone else worry about this? Quick, we must protect Sara Conner!

22nd April 2012, 07:58 PM	#1
Number Six JREF Kid Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,017	I just saw 3D printing for the first time. Wow! I'm guessing that at least some others here have seen it but today was my first time. It's like science fiction. It really is sorta like a replicator on Star Trek. Rather than explain it, which might be hard, just check out the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ-aWFYT_SU Thoughts? My first thought was "Wow!"
Number Six JREF Kid Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,017

22nd April 2012, 08:21 PM	#3
OnlyTellsTruths Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5,811	The OP must be expensive because it looks like a scam! They did make the "copy" part look easier than it must be. For instance, they didn't show where (or when) the information for the "wheel works" of the wrench was added.
OnlyTellsTruths Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5,811	__________________ ________________________

22nd April 2012, 08:22 PM	#4
Dinwar Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 8,974	There are 3D printers that print in chocolate. There are programs that allow you to print things you create in Minecraft. Confectioners can now play one of the most addictive games I've ever encountered and legitimately claim to be working. If that's not enough for you, my uncle once saw them print a car, douse it with water (some of the printed components were water-soluble, others weren't), and drive it off the stage (obviously after filling it with gas). Didn't drive much further, but still...
Dinwar Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 8,974	__________________ GENERATION 8: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation. Social experiment. Ein krieg ohne feinde.

22nd April 2012, 11:59 PM	#5
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,198	Try and google 3d printer. Then you get some interesting pages on the subject.
	__________________ dddffffpppqqqq Want to use your computer for something that will make society better? See this thread for details Folding@home

23rd April 2012, 08:36 AM	#11
Christian Klippel Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ruhr Area in Germany Posts: 1,927	You can also print candy stuff, and even build that machine yourself: http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/candyfab Then, there is the repRap project: http://reprap.org ....and countless others.... Greetings, Chris ETA: Forgot to mention the MakerBot: http://www.makerbot.com/
	__________________ Humber-physics 101: The treadmill has no ground equivalent. This means that the belt is not the road, but the Earth. ... That means the belt is also a privileged and unique perspective. If not then the treadmill collapses to the real world equivalent of a real treadmill, with different objects at different velocities in the same frame. Either way, no motion. Last edited by Christian Klippel; 23rd April 2012 at 08:38 AM.

22nd April 2012, 08:08 PM	#2
geni Anti-homeopathy illuminati member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: UK Posts: 26,578	Originally Posted by Number Six I'm guessing that at least some others here have seen it but today was my first time. It's like science fiction. It really is sorta like a replicator on Star Trek. Rather than explain it, which might be hard, just check out the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ-aWFYT_SU Thoughts? My first thought was "Wow!" Hmm well that's the impractically expensive high end version. In terms of something that the average person might be able to afford to use (although at present the results are far more limited) this version that uses sand as its feedstock looks more interesting: http://vimeo.com/25401444

23rd April 2012, 07:49 AM	#6
NewtonTrino Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,782	I love 3d printing tech. Someday every home will have one.

23rd April 2012, 07:53 AM	#7
Safe-Keeper Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sogndal, Norway Posts: 7,121	Quote: there are 3d printers that print in chocolate. wants!

23rd April 2012, 08:01 AM	#8
geni Anti-homeopathy illuminati member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: UK Posts: 26,578	Originally Posted by OnlyTellsTruths The OP must be expensive because it looks like a scam! Its expensive because of the materials used.

23rd April 2012, 08:04 AM	#9
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	There are other types of 3d printers out there on the cheap that use a heat head with plastic strips, instead of the flat bed and powder seen on the videos thus far (the sand one is GENIUS!) You can find these for hundreds of dollars instead of thousands. There is a Kickstart project going on for one now too. Someday we will all have them in our houses. I got my first intro to them in engineering school at MCCC, we had a top o' teh line one that we all got to play with. Originally Posted by OnlyTellsTruths The OP must be expensive because it looks like a scam! They did make the "copy" part look easier than it must be. For instance, they didn't show where (or when) the information for the "wheel works" of the wrench was added. Did you notice that the wrench they scanned didn't have a key ring on it, but the one on the cad program did?

23rd April 2012, 08:12 AM	#10
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	OTT's concern deals with the complicated intricacy of the screw works in the wrench, along with the slide. Although it can be created on a 3d printer and work, it cannot be scanned that easily. The computer does not know automatically that there is an axis going into the main wrench body allowing it to spin. You would have to create something like that in the cad program itself, then print it out.

23rd April 2012, 08:44 AM	#12
kedo1981 Master Poster Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: ohio Posts: 2,083	I want to use a maker bot to make one off doll heads based on 3d scans of real people
	__________________ "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21) I readily admit I don’t know enough to say for sure that there is no God. But I do know enough so say that anyone who claims to know the mind and will of a being such as God is a liar. I have no problem with Jesus, but his fan club sucks!

23rd April 2012, 09:00 AM	#13
Baloney Muse Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: America! (F, yeah!) Posts: 666	Originally Posted by Number Six I'm guessing that at least some others here have seen it but today was my first time. It's like science fiction. It really is sorta like a replicator on Star Trek. Rather than explain it, which might be hard, just check out the video. Like the Star Trek replicator? Not quite. However, if you can create it in 3D CAD application, you can probably print it. There are several companies and websites where you can create 3D objects (like AutoDesk 123D) or use other people's 3D objects (like Thingiverse), and then print out those 3D designs in plastic or metal (like Shapeways). You can also do it all yourself on any number of "low-cost" (usually under $2000-$5000 depending on model) DIY 3D printers (like the MakerBot, Fab@Home, and RepRap). If you're interested, you can check out all of the cool stuff going on in the "Maker" movement from magazines like Make Magazine. [ETA: Looks like Christian Klippel beat me to the punch. ]
	__________________ _{When I think about woo, I detect myself.} Last edited by Baloney; 23rd April 2012 at 09:02 AM.

23rd April 2012, 09:06 AM	#14
Marduk Banned Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Newbury, Berkshire Posts: 10,242	can you get one that makes cylindrical shaped objects with a vibrating motor built in ? and is it possible to scan genitalia ?

23rd April 2012, 09:07 AM	#15
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	Baloney mentioned AutoDesk. You can use that to also create 3d sculptures out of cardboard the same way that these 3d printers work. I never go around to it but wanted to do that so badly at one point.

23rd April 2012, 11:09 AM	#16
Baloney Muse Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: America! (F, yeah!) Posts: 666	Originally Posted by Marduk can you get one that makes cylindrical shaped objects with a vibrating motor built in ? and is it possible to scan genitalia ? Absolutely! Just not yours.
	__________________ _{When I think about woo, I detect myself.}

23rd April 2012, 11:56 AM	#17
Delvo Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Posts: 3,891	Originally Posted by Baloney if you can create it in 3D CAD application, you can probably print it. There are several companies and websites where you can create 3D objects (like AutoDesk 123D) or use other people's 3D objects (like Thingiverse), and then print out those 3D designs in plastic or metal (like Shapeways). I was an X-ray student at a hospital whose radiology department made physical models of patients' spines and such, from data obtained with a CT scanner.

23rd April 2012, 12:03 PM	#18
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,220	Well, replicators, flying cars, personal helicopters, vehicular autopilots, a space station, computers and networking in every pocket, ecological disaster just on the horizon... It's finally the future.
	__________________ Are you IN? Join the IN crowd now!

23rd April 2012, 12:31 PM	#19
Aber Thinker Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 151	You missed the sonic screwdriver....
Aber Thinker Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 151

23rd April 2012, 12:35 PM	#20
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	Originally Posted by Marduk and is it possible to scan genitalia ? You did catch the part about only being ably to scan 40 microns? Zing.

23rd April 2012, 12:53 PM	#21
rustypouch Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Belfort Posts: 5,143	There's one of these I get to play with at work: http://www.fortus.com/products/fortus-400mc.aspx

23rd April 2012, 12:53 PM	#22
Silly Green Monkey Cowardly Lurking in the Shadows of Greatness Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 3,048	Can it make my skeleton?

23rd April 2012, 01:14 PM	#23
Baloney Muse Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: America! (F, yeah!) Posts: 666	Originally Posted by BenBurch Well, replicators, flying cars, personal helicopters, vehicular autopilots, a space station, computers and networking in every pocket, ecological disaster just on the horizon... It's finally the future. Nominated!
	__________________ _{When I think about woo, I detect myself.}

23rd April 2012, 01:45 PM	#24
Stomatopoda Muse Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 862	It's going to be hilarious when the collectible figure makers start complaining about piracy from these.
Stomatopoda Muse Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 862

23rd April 2012, 01:47 PM	#25
X Slide Rulez 4 Life Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Launching the army, waiting for Hok to commit her forces (then the moles strike...) Posts: 4,082	We were looking at getting an "additive manufacturing" (as the devices are now called) where I work. We do fibreglass, and we figured it would be a boon to be able to print out masters* for small parts directly from CAD models. The problem we had was finding one which used a material that could be sanded and prepped and used to make a mold. There are many types of rapid prototypers/3D printers/additive manufacturers available, using a wide variety of materials. Some can even create production-ready parts (TORO sprinklers, for instance, made functional prototypes for a 100 psi-capable sprinkler head this way). In our case, we were looking at fused deposition units. We trialed several samples from a nearby company specializing in such devices, but unfortunately, even the high-end materials for this process did not meet our requirements. A pity, as I had already declared "dibs" on the unit. And more expensive devices (using more expensive materials) simply aren't cost-effective. It's cheaper at that point for our customers to order carvings** made from MDF on a massive CNC mill. Even if it takes 10 weeks. They are very cool though. At the university, they have a laser/resin system (stereolythography) with unbelievable resolution. I saw a model they made of a hand (which had been digitally scanned). It was 3 inches tall. You could make out every line, loop and whorl, crease and crevice. Amazing. * a Master is the mold for the production molds. It's a flipped image (male/female). ** Carvings are what we make masters from (and sometimes production parts, if our customer order the first parts without sufficient time to get molds made). They're typically MDF, milled to shape. They are heavy, cumbersome, and usually only survive for a few pulls. Less, if stored outdoors or subject to temperature changes. They are also larger than the final parts, since resin (even the shrink-controlled stuff we use to make molds and masters) shrinks. Aside: We also looked at getting 3D scanners. The hand-held camera units. Also cool. Turns out, they don't like shiny surfaces (which our molds are, because they need to be smooth and slick). And they couldn't resolve the very fine surface graduations/waviness we were seeing on molds, which was what we wanted to use them to test for. They look for all the world like the alien cameras from War of the Worlds. ETA: That Fortus rustypouch linked to is the one we were looking at. The Polycarbonate it can use was the material which showed the most promise for our applications. But it couldn't be easily sanded (without losing dimensional accuracy), and we had other problems with prepping for pulling masters/molds.
	__________________ It is sad that this is necessary: Argumentum Ad Hominem: "You are wrong because you are ugly." Not Ad-Hom: "You are wrong and you are ugly." [X's posts are] ...as good as having 24 hours of Justin Bieber piped into your ears! - kmortis Last edited by X; 23rd April 2012 at 01:58 PM.

23rd April 2012, 02:00 PM	#26
Furcifer miscreant Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: hohm Posts: 13,379	I've seen a solar powered 3-D printer that uses sand to make glass objects. I'll see if I can find the video.

23rd April 2012, 02:02 PM	#27
steve s Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,668	Here's a company in San Francisco that does some impressive work. Some of the models have a rough finish, but check out the V11 Valkyrie model. It looks as smooth as injection molded styrene. http://www.moddler.com/portfolio One of my hobbies is model railroading (no I don't have a layout.) There's a lot of talk around the modeling forums about how this could change the hobby. A lot of locomotive types aren't available because manufacturers know that there isnt' enough demand for them to recoup their initial production costs. With 3D printing, every type of engine and freight car will be available. I've been into 3D modeling since the mid '90s. There's a few train items I've been meaning to model if I ever get around to it. Steve S
steve s Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,668	__________________ "Nature abhors a moron." -- H. L. Mencken

23rd April 2012, 04:11 PM	#28
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,220	Originally Posted by Silly Green Monkey Can it make my skeleton? Parts of it, yes; http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/3...opedic-surgeo/
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23rd April 2012, 04:56 PM	#29
Comrade Raptor Critical Thinker Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 399	Originally Posted by steve s Here's a company in San Francisco that does some impressive work. Some of the models have a rough finish, but check out the V11 Valkyrie model. It looks as smooth as injection molded styrene. http://www.moddler.com/portfolio One of my hobbies is model railroading (no I don't have a layout.) There's a lot of talk around the modeling forums about how this could change the hobby. A lot of locomotive types aren't available because manufacturers know that there isnt' enough demand for them to recoup their initial production costs. With 3D printing, every type of engine and freight car will be available. I've been into 3D modeling since the mid '90s. There's a few train items I've been meaning to model if I ever get around to it. Steve S That would finally allow me to make some NF-210's instead of just using GP-7/9's and hoping nobody notices. They look the same from the front . . . not so much in the back, no.

23rd April 2012, 05:06 PM	#30
Visual Purple Thinker Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 145	I've ordered a few objects from Shapeways to get a feel for what the process can do. Haven't looked at anything ceramic. The strength of the plastic has not been up to what conventionally molded plastic often is, but it's acceptable for decorative applications. The fine details are also not as fine as some molding, but the shapes can be far more complex than anything I can imagine making from a mold.
Visual Purple Thinker Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 145

23rd April 2012, 05:11 PM	#31
Marduk Banned Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Newbury, Berkshire Posts: 10,242	Originally Posted by Careyp74 You did catch the part about only being ably to scan 40 microns? Zing. I don't understand why you think I would want to scan your genitalia zing back

23rd April 2012, 10:50 PM	#32
OnlyTellsTruths Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5,811	Originally Posted by Careyp74 OTT's concern deals with the complicated intricacy of the screw works in the wrench, along with the slide. Although it can be created on a 3d printer and work, it cannot be scanned that easily. The computer does not know automatically that there is an axis going into the main wrench body allowing it to spin. You would have to create something like that in the cad program itself, then print it out. Right, the video in the OP left out the part where that information was entered into the design to be printed. Originally Posted by Stomatopoda It's going to be hilarious when the collectible figure makers start complaining about piracy from these. So once replicators (3D printers) are cheap the US government will make them illegal?
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24th April 2012, 04:53 AM	#33
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	Originally Posted by Furcifer I've seen a solar powered 3-D printer that uses sand to make glass objects. I'll see if I can find the video. Geni linked that earlier

24th April 2012, 05:55 AM	#34
X Slide Rulez 4 Life Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Launching the army, waiting for Hok to commit her forces (then the moles strike...) Posts: 4,082	Originally Posted by OnlyTellsTruths So once replicators (3D printers) are cheap the US government will make them illegal? I can see proposals for regulation and taxation of the raw materials coming about. To which I can also see protests.
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24th April 2012, 07:03 AM	#38
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	Originally Posted by Pulvinar Fun, though technically that's a CNC mill (subtractive), not a 3D printer. True. Although, it shouldn't be hard to put a thermal head on that machine to create a 3d printer. The coding just needs to deal with adding inside the form, instead of removing outside of it.