3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping Suggestions?

:)

http://process-equipment.globalspec.com/SpecSearch/Suppliers/Manufacturing_Process_Equipment/Industrial_Assembly/Rapid_Prototyping_Equipment?SrchItem=2

Thank you, I'll go through these.

E

Try www.rolanddg.com just remember it takes longer than 30min to program a 3d printer to do a job...

Hi,

We have two Objet 3d printers at our company and I run one on rotation with other designers here. Colors are very limited. A 4" cube would take about 10-12 hours to print. The compounds for the part would cost ~$250, assuming 3:1 model to support. The s/w has little effect on load time to the machine. Your cad system would need the ability to output .stl files, most do. There are hundreds of companies that offer printing services with 24 hour turn around (+ print time), they are costly, that $250 part would be more like $450. I would start with a search of the Thomas Registry. A machine with an envelope of 14" x 14" x 12" is ~$100K, smaller machines are available but they really aren't much smaller or much cheaper.

http://www.2objet.com/

David Cook

david.cookatsmithnephew.com

There is a new system coming out from 3Dsystem (http://www.modelin3d.com/) for less then 10K. I am not sure if this will meet your requirments.

That is interesting. There is apparently a 3D show Feb-4-7 in New Orleans.

Erik,

I market the printer you speak of (mine is the IDEAL DesignMate MX (or CX)) and can discuss the differences. If you want more beyond this discussion shoot me an email at Paul.Johnson@GISServices.Net. Basically, the software strips down the 3D object from your computer file into horizontal layers. The 3D printer then prints the layers one by one from the bottom up. It does this by laying down a fine layer of powder, and then an inkjet prints a binder that converts the layer into a solid. The binder may also include color. The DesignMate CX is the ONLY color printer on the market, so if color is important, it is your ONLY option. The process is repeated until the model is finished. Once complete, the model is removed from the machine, de-powdered, and dipped into a solution. The source file is an STL file from CAD or VRML from other software. Colors, textures, and corrections for sizing can be done before printing for CAD/Drafting users. Because this printer prints on layers of powder, it defies gravity; which allows it to produce things other RP systems can't produce. It also prints faster and at less cost than really any other printer. The only issue is the price tag to purchase the machine is more than many others. That's it! Hope this helps.

For more information visit:

http://www.ideal.com/products/detail.asp?id=651&dpt=1 >specification sheet

http://www.ideal.com/pdf/3D-PartPhotoLibrary.pdf' >sample photos

http://www.ideal.com/video/3d_Short.wmv >video of how it works

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Paul.Johnson@GISServices.Net

Thank you Paul, I'll show this to our CEO.

E

A comment about "...The DesignMate CX is the ONLY color printer on the market, so if color is important, it is your ONLY option...." written above.

Z-Corp also has 3D machines which print in color:

http://www.zcorp.com/

In addition, the printing material is also used to print molds for aluminum castings, which I can say from personal experience, works very well.

http://www.zcorp.com/products/zcast.asp

Good morning.

Is there somebody who use a Eden Objet 3D printers?, I would like to know more about the reliability and satisfaction of these printers.

Thanks, S.J.