3D Printing ... The next big thing?

[Jim Brown]

This is an exciting development, and I predict that, for hobbyists, 3D printing is going to be the next big thing to get excited about. MakerBot are releasing a 3D desktop printer, aimed at the professional, hobbyist market:


There is so much potential for having one of these 3D printers:

• RPi cases
  AirFix type Model kits
  Figures
  Toys
  LEGO-Style parts
  Utensils (assuming the bio plastic is food-safe)
  Tools
  Replacement parts

Main site - Makerbot
Tutorial videos - Tutorial videos (YouTube)
The software - MakerWare
Models - Thingiverse

Finally, a video showing how it works - Replicator 2 (YouTube)

[techpaul]

Yes if you can afford the price tag around $2000

Wonder if this will be like inkjet printers where the consumables cost a fortune

[fdion]

Visit your local hackerspace, they probably have 1 or 2 3d printer, of the Prusa or MendelMax variety. You can build one for less than $400 in parts. Many people drive theirs with a Raspberry Pi running pronterface, sending code to an arduino with a RAMPS shield (or similar).

François

[techpaul]

Visit your local hackerspace, they probably have 1 or 2 3d printer, of the Prusa or MendelMax variety. You can build one for less than $400 in parts. Many people drive theirs with a Raspberry Pi running pronterface, sending code to an arduino with a RAMPS shield (or similar).

François

Considering we are talking about $25/$35 board and extras that can be from $10 to $80, to many $400 and the expertise needed is beyond them.

Some can, but that is not the majority

[ghans]

I'd guess it's not the expertise missing but time , the will to learn ,
"frustration tolerance" or just being afraid of having to think for oneself



ghans

[toxibunny]

We're still waiting for the killer app to appear for home 3d printing. Toys and cellphone covers aren't it, and neither are replacement jawbones. I'm digging it, though.

[SN]

Yes if you can afford the price tag around $2000

Wonder if this will be like inkjet printers where the consumables cost a fortune

You can get a Prusa Mendel RepRap for $800 at http://www.makergear.com/products/3d-printers

And go see http://makibox.com/

They're looking to produce something far far cheaper than even that...

And as a suggestion for a the killer app - engine/carriage bodies (or indeed any part thereof) for model railways

[Wizard]

I'm building a Prusa Mendel right now (pending a few parts) and It's not as expensive as I initially though.

If you can live with tedious delivery times (although not as bad as RS :p) you can probably do it for less than 200$ AFAIK.

I will obviously power min with a Raspi

If someone's interested I can make a build-thread?
Will start assembly this week, if the last bit is delivered that is...

[Jim Brown]

If someone's interested I can make a build-thread?
Will start assembly this week, if the last bit is delivered that is.

@Wizard,
Yes, that sounds positively fascinating. I for one would be interested in your experience building the Prusa Mendel.

[JakeGrey]

We're still waiting for the killer app to appear for home 3d printing. Toys and cellphone covers aren't it, and neither are replacement jawbones. I'm digging it, though.

Five quid says whatever the killer app turns out to be, it will involve sex.

[techpaul]

We're still waiting for the killer app to appear for home 3d printing. Toys and cellphone covers aren't it, and neither are replacement jawbones. I'm digging it, though.

Five quid says whatever the killer app turns out to be, it will involve sex.

Or Gambling making your own casino chips