Wide 3D Printers?

I don't think there is any reason why you couldn't make a 24" wide printer.  The "double" printer that Ben built looks to be almost that wide.  You could easily "up-size" almost any standard reprap design to be larger.  One concern would be that any 'flexibility' in the x-axis would be magnified by the large span.  This may be able to be addressed with a linear slide or larger diameter bearing rods.  I've seen an Ultimaker at Makerfaire NY that was much larger than standard. You may also want to confirm that software that "slices" objects can handle the larger build volume. Just be patient, printing very large objects will take some time. 

BK

One problem you would run into with a large bed size is cooling. it will take too long to print a layer on a large object like that, and your layer will begin to cool before you start the next one causing the two layers to not adhear to eachother as they are supposed to.

ok I am new to the 3 d printing thing how about a tall 3 d printer I have a few things I am trying to work on however I need either a wide or tall printer

Tall works just fine.

http://printrbot.com/shop/printrbot-super-z/

I really don't think there would be an issue with layer cooling, I frequently print many objects simultaneously and by the time the print head get's to the next layer, the first objects are 'cool'.  For PLA, I think this cooling actually makes the prints cleaner.  One issue for large objects may be warping.  It may be a challenge to get a heated bed big enough for a double wide.

BK

Objet's "Objet1000" is the world largest 3D printer. On one of its longest axis, it has 1000mm (39") capacity.

On the pricey side though.

C

Somehow one of my replies didnt post. So, I'll lump these together, sorry!

I plan on printing in ABS, since most of my projects would be suspectable to the weather elements (rain), unexpected fluid leaks (anti-freeze, oil, or fuel), and under hood temps could possibly re-shape PLA (if my memory serves correctly PLA has a lower melting point than ABS, right?)

So what kind of issues should I plan/expect when using ABS?

With large item printing, what kind of print speed would I need to consider to print without adhesion problems? Would it help if I designed my projects with some type of support inner stucture such as honeycomb or beams to help minimize material usage and increase print speed?

I'm currently considering the PrintrBot Plus so I could have a large print area, and upgrade to a "taller" printer down the road.

I drooled over the demo video of the Object1000, then passed out when the price was mentioned. I was ready to write the check when they pulled the F1 car off the bed...

Did I mention that I'm not made of money? 8(

How about considering a subtractive system rather than a "printed" additive one? Multi-axis mills or robot arms can cover a much larger volumes than printers normally can.

Along with the tall Printrbot I've seen some tall Delta Robot 3D printers as well.

As someone mentioned above, once you get into large stuff you're betting off with subtractive (milling) machines.

Even small 3D printers take a long time to print something, especially if you're using single line extrusion. (Fused Deposition Modeling) A large object, printed one strand at a time, would take days.

the main thing I am looking for is to mock up new parts for a project.  so speed is not a huge issue as for the print bot is that a stand alone printer or is an add on to your curent printer what I am trying to make is mainly a split tube