3D Printing evaluation

3d products from the machine

Hi Joefrench

I'm also looking into this, and got samples from "STRATASYS"

Haven't got a price comparison yet, but check their site www.stratasys.com.

However, I believe it is more viable to outsource all 3-d printing for a while, to really evaluate the cost vs benefits calculation! Initially, everybody in the design office gets very excited about 3-d printing at first, until the novelty has bled off. Remember that most printed mechanical parts won't be strong enaugh to withstand prototype testing, at least on the budget systems which print in powder and then infltrate the parts to make them stronger. Great for covers, handles, buttons, display samples etc., even in colour.

Manufacturers of 3-d print equipment generally offer printing services as well. Most technical universities process commercial orders also. And that's almost at cost, with very short lead times.

hope this helps

Tom

Thanks for the input hangwaiter.

I have received samples from both the Dimension unit as well as the ZCorp unit. They both lend themselves very handily for what we are looking for. Currently we outsource for our SLA's (stereolithography) but the primary reason we use them is for visual representation. Something that, in the long run, would surely be more cost effective with a 3D printer. Any type of testing that would require more of a functional finish could still be sent offsite for SLA. As of now, I feel that the color units offered by ZCorp, offer more ability to see small features and point out problem areas simply by adding color to those features/areas.

I've received a quote from a ZPrinter reseller and the only thing that really scared me is the warranty. 3 months free. Next 9 months for approx. $4100. Seems kind of odd to me that a piece of equipment like this would have such a limited warranty. I know it's gonna scare the shirt off of my boss as well. Any thoughts on the life of such a warranty?

In a parallell vein:

I'm looking @ RP of metallic parts of fairly complex geometry.

Any comments on Laser-Sintering vs. polymer masters for Investment Casting?

These would be fairly large parts, & should be pressure tight.

For a good example of 3D painting, look at Leonardo De Vinci's Last Supper.