3d Printing

[Punisher3]

Ok, I know I came across a pretty informative thread on the Hide awhile back about 3d printing, but I can't seem to find it again. So I'm going to attempt to bring this back up..

Does anyone have a 3d printer? Does anyone actually print their own magazines or anything the like? I'm interested in getting into 3d printing but I'm not sure where to start. I researched a little bit about the printers and have found a few pretty good (and expensive) ones online. I'm just curious about the process and just how difficult it is, or how tech savvy one must be in order to print good stuff. Any info would be great. GO!

 

[error4o4]

I don't know if it's the one you ran across previously, but I posted a thread about a 3D printer a few months ago. A good friend of mine bought one. We've been using it quite a bit. I'll answer any questions I can, feel free to ask away.

The key to 3D printing is the same as any other production method, you've got to start with good information. In 3d printing this is in the form of a 3d model. If your model is bad, the final print will be also. Garbage in, garbage out. We use Blender 3D mostly, but most any 3d modeling software will do. Free software will convert these files into an .stl or .obj file for our printer. Which brings me to my next point, the printer. We use a Makerbot Replicator 2 (single extrusion). The printer itself is about $2400, the print medium (polylactic acid or PLA) runs $40-$50 per kilogram, and can be had in many colors. We haven't printed any firearms or magazines, or anything that seems similar stresses. We've printed quite a few enclosures for electronics projects (Ouya, Arduino, etc.).

I'm a mechanical engineering student with less than a year left, the printers owner is a software architect, so we come from backgrounds that work perfectly with this hobby. That being said, the most difficult part is the modeling. The printing itself is very simple. Many models can be downloaded and printed as-is, removing the need to model. However, if you ever want to change these designs, or create your own, you'll need to start learning some software. There are plenty of resources online, tutorials, youtube videos, etc.

Here's the previous thread I posted: http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/bear-pit/167059-3d-printer-let-fun-begin.html

 

[Punisher3]

Hmm, thanks for the reply! I am neither an engineer or an architect. Lol....I will continue the research before I invest into anything. $2400 is a lot better than the prices I was looking at, however. Thanks again for the info!

What exactly are you guys printing, if you don't mind me asking? I'm not too familiar with the stuff you listed...