[Angrybird 12]

Do you own a 3d Printer, if you do I am interested in getting one and wondered what should I look for and what should I expect to pay for a entry level one.

Also if you have one would you recommend a 3d scanner to make copies of items?

If you have one what have you made with it.
Pictures would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Diode Dynamics]

We have a 3D printer, it's a MakerBot (not sure on all the details)

Amazingly, you can actually buy one at Sam's or Costco now for around $1000 or so IIRC

We've developed numerous prototypes with it, including these OEM-fitting dust caps for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe:




Nick C.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by Diode Dynamics

We have a 3D printer, it's a MakerBot (not sure on all the details)

Amazingly, you can actually buy one at Sam's or Costco now for around $1000 or so IIRC

We've developed numerous prototypes with it, including these OEM-fitting dust caps for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe:




Nick C.

I saw the Markerbot at SAMs yesterday for $1,300. That's a little steep for me to Just to play around with.
Those parts look great, did you use a 3d Cad program to draw them?

[DGthe3]

I can't comment on 3D printers, but I do know of a workaround for a scanner. Autodesk (owners of AutoCAD) offers a 3D 'scanning' program/service for free. I think its called 123D. Basically, take a ton of pictures from different angles of the thing you want a model of. From those pics, 123D will identify the features & geometry of what you're taking pics of and composite them into a 3D model. I think its based on cloud computing (rather than relying on your own computer) so hardware requirements are minimal. Its probably not quite as good as a laser scanner, but its hard to beat the price.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I can't comment on 3D printers, but I do know of a workaround for a scanner. Autodesk (owners of AutoCAD) offers a 3D 'scanning' program/service for free. I think its called 123D. Basically, take a ton of pictures from different angles of the thing you want a model of. From those pics, 123D will identify the features & geometry of what you're taking pics of and composite them into a 3D model. I think its based on cloud computing (rather than relying on your own computer) so hardware requirements are minimal. Its probably not quite as good as a laser scanner, but its hard to beat the price.

Thanks for the info.

[cohocarl]

If you like building things yourself, it's not too difficult to build one from a kit for +/- $300.
I purchased one of these a few months ago. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Very gratifying to print out own stuff from the printer you built.

Personally, I didn't want to spend too much $$ in one due to them still being in their infancy.

[trm2]

Check your local library. Around here you only pay for the plastic you use.

[Angrybird 12]

Thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately our library does not have one. I have been researching kits and I haven't found one yet I like.

[snymat68]

Originally Posted by Diode Dynamics

We have a 3D printer, it's a MakerBot (not sure on all the details)

Amazingly, you can actually buy one at Sam's or Costco now for around $1000 or so IIRC

We've developed numerous prototypes with it, including these OEM-fitting dust caps for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe:




Nick C.

Just to make it clear to everyone, the parts in this picture were NOT make with a MakerBot 3D printer. The parts pictured appear to have been injection molded. Nick was just saying the prototypes (not pictured here) were made with a 3D printer.

The MakerBot's, along with most other entry-level 3D printers are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) machines. Basically they melt plastic filament (comes on a roll like weed whacker string) and construct the part by building up layers that fuse together. FDM parts are good as prototypes, or in situations where fit/finish/strength are not critical.

There are many other 3D printing technologies available, but some are quite expensive, both for the machines and materials.

I just wanted to clarify Nick's post to make sure someone didn't buy a MakerBot expecting to get parts that look like what's pictured here.

Here's a basic overview of the technologies available for 3D printing:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

[Angrybird 12]

My wife just ordered me a Micro3d printer, it's small and costs $349.
Just the right size for what I wanted.
If you go to this link I get credits on my account.
http://www.printm3d.com/#_l_tn

[Angrybird 12]

I've had my printer now for a week and I have printed several things. A few failures until I learned how to work the software and printer but I had several great prints.
It's a small printer and can print objects that are around 4" in size. I have made a couple Cell phone and iPod charging stands, also I made a iPod holder on my go pro suction cup mount so I can film time lapse movies of my prints.
Last night I printed out a Camaro. I just used the medium quality setting for it.
Here is how it turned out.
I will post pics of some of my other projects.

[Angrybird 12]

Here are two battery holders I made. The AA holds 20 batteries and the AAA holds 27.

[Angrybird 12]

I also made a stand for my Star Trek TOS Phaser.

[Angrybird 12]

Here is the iPod holder for my GoPro mount.