161 replies to this topic

[Darren B]

I have been following this technology for a while and did not realize just how cheap it is to buy a printer and make your own model parts. For $500.00 your up and running and the software to design the parts is free, there are three well known programs and google has one of them called sketchup. Just have to start saving up some cash to get one..................http://www.solidoodl...CFetDMgodqWsAow

 

It is just totally amazing, what ever you can think up and draw in the program you can print out........

Just my personal opinion, going out on a limb here, I believe someday this will be a tool on the bench of a lot of scratch builders world wide. Its $43.00 for 2lbs of plastic but that can go a long way for miniature tiny little parts.......

 

As soon as I can come up with the coin im gonna try one out myself.

Edited by Darren B, 15 January 2013 - 01:31 PM.

[Harry P.]

Just my personal opinion, going out on a limb here, I believe someday this will be a tool on the bench of a lot of scratch builders world wide. 

 

Not just your opinion. I've been saying it here for a long time. The day is coming where making your own parts via a 3-D printer is going to be as common as having an X-acto knife.

[Darren B]

 

Not just your opinion. I've been saying it here for a long time. The day is coming where making your own parts via a 3-D printer is going to be as common as having an X-acto knife.

Pretty much, its amazing if there 500.00 now in a few years could be less, and if your good mechanical theres plans on line could build one yourself cheaper, what I liked about this brand is that its all built and ready to go, just learn the software to design the part. This one only builds 6"x6"x6" parts but thats perfect for 1/24th and 1/25th and probably parts up to 1/8th scale. I just find it fascinating, I spent more on a sherline lathe than this machine, and all i can do on the lathe is round parts. This printer can do anything.

Edited by Darren B, 15 January 2013 - 01:46 PM.

[Harry P.]

No doubt that as the technology evolves, the price will drop. Electronics generally follow that pattern. Computers, TVs, VCRs (remember those?   ), etc.

 

I have absolutely no doubt that a $100 3-D printer will be sold at every Office Max, Staples, and even Walmart before the decade is over.

[martinfan5]

No doubt that as the technology evolves, the price will drop. Electronics generally follow that pattern. Computers, TVs, VCRs (remember those?   ), etc.

 

I have absolutely no doubt that a $100 3-D printer will be sold at every Office Max, Staples, and even Walmart before the decade is over.

If not sooner,   I cant wait

[Darren B]

If not sooner,   I cant wait

Yeah hopefully sooner than the end of decade..............

[Deano]

Guess we all better get to learning 3D drafting, eh?

[martinfan5]

Will 2lbs of plastic be enough to say do a body?

[Edsel-Dan]

How long before we have the matching 3D scanner as cheap

so we can replace lost, copy parts we use most??

Edited by Edsel-Dan, 15 January 2013 - 06:17 PM.

[henry57]

I can see model kits being sold online in a downloadable file, and printed at home.

[Futurabat]

Will 2lbs of plastic be enough to say do a body?

Probably, but the machine isn't big enough. It says it's print surface is 6x6x6 inches.

[Chas SCR]

That 6x6x6 will do a lot of stuff if you think about it that is not normaly done in resin.  Now if you want to spend the extra $300 and up grade to a 8x8x8 that will be able to do about any body you like other then a stretch custom.

[Lownslow]

ill pass on that one, good for big scale items tho.

[MAGNUM4342]

That 6x6x6 will do a lot of stuff if you think about it that is not normaly done in resin. Now if you want to spend the extra $300 and up grade to a 8x8x8 that will be able to do about any body you like other then a stretch custom.

Barely. The average model kit body is 81/4 inches long. As Maxwell Smart would say..."Missed it by that much!"

[Mooneyzs]

I would possibly be interested in one of these if I could see a sample of the quality and precision. I am wondering how it would compare to TDRs products being printed by shapeways. I know that there is different ways to print these parts with different types of printers. But it seems that the prices are becoming more affordable for anyone who would want to purchase one.

[JM485]

Wow, crazy to think of all the things that can be done.  It will be interesting to see how this evolves and if the art of scratchbuilding a part is eventualy lost.  If you can just draw it on a computer and print it, will it be considered in the same esteem as a scratchbuilt part, or will this open a whole new category of building techniques?  I'm sure it is difficult to explain, but it should be interesting to see what the future holds.

[MAGNUM4342]

I agree. I would love to see some test shots myself. This is just about affordable for me. My real hangup is the 3D artwork. I've tried it and just can't get a handle on it.  

[Lownslow]

Barely. The average model kit body is 81/4 inches long. As Maxwell Smart would say..."Missed it by that much!"

print body without front clip

[Hollywood Jim]

I agree. I would love to see some test shots myself. This is just about affordable for me. My real hangup is the 3D artwork. I've tried it and just can't get a handle on it.  

 

 

Yes, your correct.  I can now afford the small cost of having some parts printed up in 3D.  I have friends that can do it.  And I understand Staples is ready to prodive 3D printing. 

 

The big problem is doing the CAD drafting required.  I'm not sure I want to learn how to do that.

.

.

[Lownslow]

 

 

Yes, your correct.  I can now afford the small cost of having some parts printed up in 3D.  I have friends that can do it.  And I understand Staples is ready to prodive 3D printing. 

 

The big problem is doing the CAD drafting required.  I'm not sure I want to learn how to do that.

.

.

you only need 1 semester of it.