3D Printing

I currently have a project (all be it on hold) that requires 3D printed parts. They could be modelled with some acrylic or card or whatever is around, but the use of a 3D model to design it has saved a good few hours. You do of course lose that to manufacturing if you out source the printing, but it is a fair trade off. Depending on how good the service is, I do hope to use it more for projects. Does anyone have any prefered companies for this should you not have your own machine?

In terms of applications I see it mostly being used for proof of concept and prototyping. There will be cases where it is used for mass production, but I can't see that happening in the immediate future. Costs will need to drop drastically for it to become a prefered method compared to methods such as injection moulding. It may well be used for the production of molds (If for example you are casting aluminium) or similar tasks. Give it a few years and all this might change as the technology progresses further, but at the end of the day use will only increase. Only a matter of time before projects such as the Frostruder become a standard household item!

ordered some parts for my n64 portable, but only measured once and the case turned out a bit small. still the parts looked awesome it was a shame I couldn't use them.

I think, given our natural instinct to build (and our superb 'oooh, this looks like i could make something cool' abilities), 3d printed products stand a good chance of being a staple of modders, builders and modellers in general for the forseeable future.

People have always been limited (in modelling, anyways) to either scratch-built parts made from funky foam (eh Ben?), art board or other materials, and not having the finished detail that some of the models need. These models, often bespoke and custom in nature, require an outlet where the modeller in question has effecively no restraints, only as far as his or her technical knowledge stretch in terms of the 3d print, and of course it's availability in that particular area of residence. Judging by the pieces I've seen so far (taking Ben's TARDIS into account) you can get as much or as little detail you like on said parts.

Personally, I'd love a 3d printer, and have even started a '3d printer fund' using funds from old stuff sold on ebay. This, with my new found love of solidworks, sketchup and now 123d, would mean that when creating dioramas, models or even mods to my consoles, I would have that creative juice 'poured' (excuse the plastruder pun) into a solid and tangible way to make the parts I need.

I guess this kind of thing even stetches as far as Games Workshop tables, parts and even custom-designed characters. The uses for such an item are effectively endless; either limited by the size of the 3d printer bed, or the ability to combine several components to make a whole, which would again be dependant on the creator.

But hey, that's just my opinion...

To be honest, a 3D printer doesn't really offer anything to me, it's way too expensive and it would take a degree in electronics for me to even understand to complexities of building such a machine, so, I have devised a plan for those who love your show but who just aren't technological savvy enough to make one of their own, like me. With every release of your episodes (and past one's) I shall make a simpler version:

Ben Heck Show - HTMI this, Arduino that

DannyS: This is how you do it with a toothbrush and duct tape

I'm not here to leach off Ben's fame here, it's just some of his designs are really difficult to do even if you have the tools, no offence Ben but you have it easy. You have a great big workshop with laser cutters, CMC machines and 3D printers, the best I've got is a couple of screwdrivers, a hammer, a saw and a cheap workbench i got at B&Q. Now that I've explained what I'm doing and why, lets get on with a 3D printer for the cheap and easy...

I think 3d printing is the wave of the future. That would be great if it can be faster and build on a bigger scale...

3D Printers aren't really that hard electrically.  They have a controller board, a power supply, some steppers, a hot end, all off the shelf items.  To me they are more mechanically complex, especially if you are not doing a kit build.

As for making episodes using everymans' tools?  That's a great idea.  I think the point of Ben's show is more to show off cool builds, not necessarily a how to.  Saying he has it easy though is not really correct, just because he has the tools, he still has to know how to use them, how to mechanically design the systems, electrical, software.  It allows him to do it in less time and cleaner but doesn't neccessarily make it easier.  You still have to understand how things work to a great degree, still draw up plans, measure twice cut once etc.

I built a 3D printer of my own design about a year ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BIihAdg5TQ Since then I have used it to make part for a number of projects. There have been knobs for a few projects that required something of a special size. I've done a short production run, 150 parts, of a small greeting card holder that my wife gave as gifts. I've also used it for lots of little odds and ends like landing gear mounts on an RC plane, parts for a photo flash mount, and custom board game pieces.

While it's not something that I use everyday, it really has a number of uses and the quality is getting better all the time. My next project is a pattern to be used in casting a new intake manifold for an antique motor.

Also a big hi to Ben, I too am from a graphic arts background, still spend lots of time in Illustrator and Photoshop and live in Wisconsin.

Hi Ben and all,

I work with a charity (relax, that's not the important part here) and regularly have to submit 3d design plans (using Google Sketch, ArchiCAD etc) as projections for the Charity in how they want orphanages, schools and campuses etc, developed based on the needs of the people, usability of the area, availability of materials and of course the dreaded "C" word, costs.

I think that the impression which a mini, to-scale 3D model, could make to not only the charity trustees but also to donors and investors (or in the business world to the boss, board and the customers) would be incredible.

The models can be made modular and end up as similar to but definately smaller than Howard Stark's design for "The City of the Future" (Iron Man refs FTW) and can beat the hell out of cardboard and Papier-mâché, as the pieces would often be reusable and repaintable - so the charity benefits from low costs of making many beautiful presentations, which would attract impressed donors.

I wrote this comment according to how I would use it, but I am obviously getting at the benefits for architects and landscape artists which would be even more varied and tangible than mine.

I, like Mike Davey, come from a graphics and design background and can all-too-easily see the benefits of this. Though I would be mentally raped... er I mean stunned, if they would let such a cool feat on a plane

I finally ordered a kit to make a Reprap Mendel Prusa.  I've been making projects for years, the electronics always worked well, but the cases and finished look were horrible.  My first project will be cases for my Xbee based deployable sensor network, 9v, xbee, and motion sensor with built in 3v regulator..   Thinking about making it for Airsoft teams - so they can get a special ops feel as they clear areas with a weaver style mount with OLED display..

Low cost 3D Printers will really increase the number of ideas people are able to bring to reality.  Many people don't have access to machine shops and/or the funds to build their ideas.  Things are changing, cost is down, and quality is up.

-Dan

Hi Ben-

I built a Sells Mendel (not Prussa) and the thing I'm doing now is designing my next printer now that I know what I'm doing!

I noticd you made a custom SD card board that went on the RAMPS.  Do you have the schematic for that board?  I have all the bits to build one but can't locate a schematic anywhere - only the layout drawings for the SDRAMPS product.

Thanks in advance-

-Rob A>