3d printers questions

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inspector77
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3d printers questions

Post: # 32403Unread post inspector77
Wed Nov 26, 2014 4:34 am

For this type of project a 3D printer seems the way to go ,
are awesome things you do.
What printer models and modeling software you recommend ?
It is a good enough Prusa printer for the job?
Are they difficult and expensive to use?

regards

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chaosbc
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32404Unread post chaosbc
Wed Nov 26, 2014 6:28 am

I have no comparison with other models since I have and had only one 3d printer...so let's say prusa is the cheap way to go...
You have to learn a bit how to configure, optimize it but really nothing impossible : reprap.org is your friend
I saw amazing objects printed with a prusa, crappy ones with replicator and vice versa so I believe it depends of you actually
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inspector77
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32410Unread post inspector77
Wed Nov 26, 2014 3:19 pm

Thanks for the info!

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opcode66
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32413Unread post opcode66
Wed Nov 26, 2014 5:27 pm

I use Sketchup for design

I print on a Makerbot Replicator 2 that I've modified quite a bit. Printing in PLA which seems to make a big difference.

My prints are coming out very accurate. My Z layers are straight and flat. No warping. Check out the quality of my parts in comparison to the others.
Cutting, Inventing & Innovating
Groove Graphics, VMS Halfnuts, MIDI Automation, Professional Stereo Feedback Cutterheads, and Pesto 1-D Cutterhead Clones
Cutterhead Repair: Recoiling, Cleaning, Cloning of Screws, Dampers & More
http://mantra.audio

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Bahndahn
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32416Unread post Bahndahn
Wed Nov 26, 2014 11:09 pm

I opted for a very inexpensive model for my lathe parts construction: http://store.quintessentialuniversalbuildingdevice.com/product.php?id_product=145

This printer is a little 'rough around the edges' upon first assembly but some very simple modifications make it totally sufficient!

I use blender to model things: http://www.blender.org/ Its complicated, so use SketchUp if you don't want to spend a lot of time learning it.

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opcode66
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32418Unread post opcode66
Thu Nov 27, 2014 3:29 am

For my purposes, Sketchup is great. It supports Ruby. So, there are tons of plug-ins available. And, I can write my own as well. I've been a professional developer for 15 years.

I have Autocad. But, I find that my customized Sketchup instance affords quicker and easier results. If I were a professional engineer I would use Autocad more...

You can see my Z layers in this pic. They are nice and flat and aligned. No warping. If you like, I can chat with you on the phone and share some wisdom/experience with respect to getting better prints. PM me if you want my number.
IMG_5387.JPG
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Cutting, Inventing & Innovating
Groove Graphics, VMS Halfnuts, MIDI Automation, Professional Stereo Feedback Cutterheads, and Pesto 1-D Cutterhead Clones
Cutterhead Repair: Recoiling, Cleaning, Cloning of Screws, Dampers & More
http://mantra.audio

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inspector77
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32420Unread post inspector77
Thu Nov 27, 2014 5:49 am

I usually use cinema 4d in my work but it is not for this type of project where the scale is more important , i will try SketchUp. Thanks!!!

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budharpey
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32425Unread post budharpey
Thu Nov 27, 2014 12:24 pm

Bahndahn wrote:I opted for a very inexpensive model for my lathe parts construction: http://store.quintessentialuniversalbuildingdevice.com/product.php?id_product=145

This printer is a little 'rough around the edges' upon first assembly but some very simple modifications make it totally sufficient!

I use blender to model things: http://www.blender.org/ Its complicated, so use SketchUp if you don't want to spend a lot of time learning it.
I did not know the Two Up before... Interesting printer! Did you also buy the heatbed? If printing with pla this would not be needed right? But generally one should buy a heatbed for a printer, to have the option of ABS printing, right? Are there cheaper ones one could get for this printer out there?

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Bahndahn
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32432Unread post Bahndahn
Thu Nov 27, 2014 6:34 pm

budharpey wrote:
Did you also buy the heatbed? If printing with pla this would not be needed right? But generally one should buy a heatbed for a printer, to have the option of ABS printing, right? Are there cheaper ones one could get for this printer out there?
I did not purchase the heated bed, PLA is sufficient for me [among others, such as user: opcode66 who is printing entire heads in PLA with great proficiency].

PLA is 'organic' and nice smelling; I print in a small room that I do other work in, ABS smells chemical-like.

Chances are you could find a bed for cheaper, I personally wouldn't want to hook it into the board they provide.

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opcode66
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Re: 3d printers questions

Post: # 32433Unread post opcode66
Thu Nov 27, 2014 6:34 pm

Personally, I think PLA prints much nicer and far more accurately than ABS. Don't even bother with it. I don't have a heated build tray.
Cutting, Inventing & Innovating
Groove Graphics, VMS Halfnuts, MIDI Automation, Professional Stereo Feedback Cutterheads, and Pesto 1-D Cutterhead Clones
Cutterhead Repair: Recoiling, Cleaning, Cloning of Screws, Dampers & More
http://mantra.audio

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