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Posted

This morning, a supply rocket was sent to the International Space Station carrying a 3D printer so they could make replacement parts.

I thought maybe one of the astronauts read the thread about the custom VW body and wanted to print it!

Posted

This morning, a supply rocket was sent to the International Space Station carrying a 3D printer so they could make replacement parts.

Actually, it was sent up to evaluate the functionality of the current technology in zero-gee, and to get an idea if making printed parts in space might be a viable goal for the future.

The supply ship is run by SpaceX, Elon Musk's (paypal, Tesla) company.

Story here http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/09/21/spacex-launches-cargo-ship-with-3-d-printer-to-international-space-station/

Posted

Actually, it was sent up to evaluate the functionality of the current technology in zero-gee, and to get an idea if making printed parts in space might be a viable goal for the future.

The supply ship is run by SpaceX, Elon Musk's (paypal, Tesla) company.

Story here http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/09/21/spacex-launches-cargo-ship-with-3-d-printer-to-international-space-station/

Sorry for the lack of detail. I must have been watching FoxNews.

Posted

Sorry for the lack of detail. I must have been watching FoxNews.

I didn't mean to be a smartazz, belittling, or acting superior (as I've been recently labeled).

I just thought it was relevant to mention this tech isn't actually being implemented at this point; it's only in the test-and-evaluate phase.

It IS kind of a big deal that the testing is starting, and that a toughened machine has been developed for the space environment. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

Posted

they will be great for printing out screwdrivers and stuff. maybe specialized parts for the station or satelites.

just not in 1/24 scale! B)

jb

  • 1 month later...
Posted (edited)

in 3D printing something 1/24 scale, there are a few variables

first being of course the rendering, it could be as complex as you'd like, but may not translate to the printed object, as printers are limited to (depending on the specific machine) a degree of resolution

in some cases, it actually helps to compromise to degree of detail which is possible to print, and sometimes either increase or decrease the feature so that it "appears" well in the final result, as some fine details simply disappear in the making

second, the material chosen can be a limiting factor, I prefer to always use the finest material choice possible, with shapeways that is their FUD, an ultra-fine material

third is printing direction, this is not something you can presently control easily if outsourcing, like with shapeways, they will print in any one of the three axis, depending on the technician who processes the order

the reason is that there will definitely be a grain in the final item, that is where a degree of finishing prep is required, sometimes simply a layer of primer to fill in the grain steps texture, and why I always choose the finest material to print

fourth is the machine & provider, many home based 3D printers are a work in progress, and though some produce fine results, you'll often find it is through much effort & trail to achieve, where as the market place 3D printing vendors have of course higher quality printers, but trust me when I say that they are definitely NOT all created equal, in pricing, service, or especially shipping

I've tried a few now, and still for ease I use shapeways, at least until someone can beat or match them in price & service

this example is a 1/24 tires, designed to the limit of their resolution, and printed in FUD material

1476137_546419838785063_1947721512_n.jpg

ok but the thing is, in most of the websites linked to the photos from that google search, there are a lot of objects that I cannot really tell how big they are, and the ones that you can, like the miniature Eiffel tower, its a subject that lends itself to a straight line sort of process that hides the problems with the three D printers. can you show me an image of a 1/24 scale say engine block with a smooth polished surface, or at least a very subtle only realistic casting look to it?

im not saying this isn't possible because I think this technology has a big big promise for the future; I am just saying in my experience I haven't seen really nice small scale detailed parts, particularly not in person where it is easier to judge exactly what it is you are looking at.

jb

Edited by Jeremy Jon
Posted

I would like to see that tire with some primer on it so it would be easier to judge the surface. thanks for posting that!

jb

Posted

No problem, this is how the same tires looks painted (photo a bit dusty)

1486745_546420362118344_2069764318_n.jpg

I would like to see that tire with some primer on it so it would be easier to judge the surface. thanks for posting that!

jb

Posted

I scratch built a correct Push bar for a NYPD (and other) Charger for the Lindberg kit, as its totally different to the kit one. Would it be possible to get it looking good with a 3d printer? or would it have to be in resin.

Also how easy is the software to use? I want to make some US traffic lights, road signs etc etc.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

I scratch built a correct Push bar for a NYPD (and other) Charger for the Lindberg kit, as its totally different to the kit one. Would it be possible to get it looking good with a 3d printer? or would it have to be in resin.

Also how easy is the software to use? I want to make some US traffic lights, road signs etc etc.

You really need to go back about 12 pages in this thread to see what's involved with learning the software.

  • 1 month later...
  • 2 months later...
Posted

What if 3D printing was 100 times faster??

Well, considering that an injection molding machine can pop out a complete kit in mere minutes, and even resin cast bodies can be demolded in 30-45 minutes, it'll take some time for 3D printing to catch up.

But I would agree, 3D printing has come a long way,and likely will continue to advance, perhaps exponentially.

Art

Posted

Yea Art. But, you have to remember,with injection molding subjects, If you want a specific part or model, you have to rely on the kit manufacturers or the after market for parts or models. This is not the only system to speed up sla printing. Once I can get this worthless Windows 8.1 off this new laptop, I'll show you what else is developing. I hate Windows. I can't believe how long it took just complete this post and what I went through and get it right.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Yes, clear plastic 3d printing is definitely hear. Check out this monocle done on a form 1 at Form labs. http://formlabs.com/company/blog/2014/09/24/lenses-3D-printed-formlabs/

Then there water clear prints here http://www.buildyourownsla.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2681

And then this for print speed increase. http://3dprint.com/54864/super-fast-3d-printer/ Keep in mind that this 3d printer was printing at 10 micron layer thickness and that 100 mm is roughly 4" and that it is a dlp desktop machine that is able to print a larger footprint subject in the same time frame.

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