17 Jul 11
1 edit
Originally posted by jimslyp69You can even build your own if you fancy it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZboxMsSz5Aw
This is something else if it is the real thing.
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page
The clever bit and still wide open to the home-tinker, is the type of print head and what it actually dishes out.
Edit: As a wee teaser for you, what if the print head was a mig welding torch and the initial paper was a piece of aluminium foil.
If you think in stages, this whole thing becomes absolutely amazing.
17 Jul 11
Originally posted by WoodgieI want one!
You can even build your own if you fancy it:
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page
The clever bit and still wide open to the home-tinker, is the type of print head and what it actually dishes out.
Edit: As a wee teaser for you, what if the print head was a mig welding torch and the initial paper was a piece of aluminium foil.
If you think in stages, this whole thing becomes absolutely amazing.
17 Jul 11
Originally posted by jimslyp69Build one.
I want one!
The problem that I have now come up against is raw materials.
I started off printing knives and forks but you soon get bored of plastic things.
Glue guns are quite handy for this, just automate the pressing of the trigger and you are away.
If you take apart two old printers and use them for the X and Y axis control, it is easier (use old printers because coding the stepper motors is a hell of a lot easier if you can just plug them into an old serial or parallel port on a bog standard PC, plus if you bust anything it is cheaply replaced).
My goal is to make a complete portable radio (with electronics) and I am nearly there <insert evil laugh>
This stuff is not that complicated when you put yourself about it.
17 Jul 11
Originally posted by WoodgieEh? So normal print heads are used to thermoset the powder? I've seen one going for £380 on Ebay from USA, but I can't justify spending all that money on what is essentially a whim. It is a very interesating concept to start off with but as you say, I could see me becoming quickly bored with printing off spoons and forks. It would however be most useful to inventors. The possibilities for making prototypes are amazing.
Build one.
The problem that I have now come up against is raw materials.
I started off printing knives and forks but you soon get bored of plastic things.
Glue guns are quite handy for this, just automate the pressing of the trigger and you are away.
If you take apart two old printers and use them for the X and Y axis control, it is easier (use old ...[text shortened]... there <insert evil laugh>
This stuff is not that complicated when you put yourself about it.
PS can't you just print me one off? 😀
17 Jul 11
1 edit
Originally posted by jimslyp69Why spend money on buying one, make it yourself.
Eh? So normal print heads are used to thermoset the powder? I've seen one going for £380 on Ebay from USA, but I can't justify spending all that money on what is essentially a whim. It is a very interesating concept to start off with but as you say, I could see me becoming quickly bored with printing off spoons and forks. It would however be most useful to ...[text shortened]... he possibilities for making prototypes are amazing.
PS can't you just print me one off? 😀
If you build a simple one yourself, it will grow from there, plus you will gain experience and understanding which will lead to new things.
I could print off all the plastic parts you need, but you are just relying on somebody else to put it in your hand.
You are screwed without money, eh?
Edit: Ahh right, you haven't looked at any of the videos on the link I posted.
17 Jul 11
Originally posted by WoodgieI guess it would be an interesting project to build one. You could even make your investment back by selling things that you can make with it.
Why spend money on buying one, make it yourself.
If you build a simple one yourself, it will grow from there, plus you will gain experience and understanding which will lead to new things.
I could print off all the plastic parts you need, but you are just relying on somebody else to put it in your hand.
You are screwed without money, eh?
Edit: Ahh right, you haven't looked at any of the videos on the link I posted.
No I've not watched the videos yet. I've just read the article. Got a busy day on but I will have a look later.