smendlik 113 Posted June 3, 2014 ...as if this venture hasn't cost me enough money already. I was looking around on US Cutter's main site and notice that they will soon be carrying 3d printers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted June 3, 2014 I'm waiting until they get into 4D. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joker 618 Posted June 3, 2014 i have been looking at this for awhile.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antcarter 1 Posted June 3, 2014 I've heard that the main library in downtown Cleveland has a 3d printer available to the public Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smendlik 113 Posted June 3, 2014 I've heard that the main library in downtown Cleveland has a 3d printer available to the public Hmmmm. My wife is going to Akron U. and they open up the engineering departments 3d printer to all students for a week each semester, I might have to take advantage of it before she graduates. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted June 3, 2014 From what little I know about it, the biggest challenge to the functioning of this technology is the 3D mapping software. Basically, anyone who wants to get into the game needs to accept the learning curve on applications for 3D modelling and graphics. One such application is Shade 3D (which is excellent because it incorporates curved surface modeling based on bezier based lines, which would be familiar to those of us who work using 2D presently in programs like Inkscape, CorelDraw and Illustrator) Then, of course, you have to imagine something which would be worth creating with a plastic-part-molding device. What useful stuff are people "printing" with these? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted June 3, 2014 I was chatting with a t-shirt vendor at a volleyball tournament last fall and he was busy designing in 3D while he sat around. This guy made real cool custom beer handles for the micro breweries. I think he had them 3D printed when he was done and then used that to build a mold to make a brass casting from. It looked fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DCMoney 91 Posted June 3, 2014 I work in R&D I print stuff daily, could never justify one for home use. I'm waiting for the Direct metal laser sintering machines to come down in cost, that's where things will really change. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted June 3, 2014 In 2D, projects gone wrong are worthless.... In 3D, they are "Modern Art"....... IMPRESSIVE! Sue2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted June 3, 2014 I WANT ONE!!! The blob or the printer? LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mopar691 281 Posted June 3, 2014 I really so no practical use for one other than saying I have one. For making one off things or prototypes, man, that's a lot of cash and really what do I need prototypes of things made for anyway? If I wanted little nick nacks everywhere I could go to any garage sale and buy them by the thousands. There is like 20 of these thing within blocks of me. I have no urge to join the bandwagon. If I want something made I will make it on a lathe or mill. Much faster, and will last a heck of a lot longer. Or just buy it on Amazon. haha 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OWJones 1,981 Posted June 4, 2014 I gave serious though to buying one of these - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-matter-mod-t-a-3d-printer-for-everyone/x/867499 - but delivery time is May of next year :-( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted June 4, 2014 Wow that's getting down there where it's affordable. I had no idea they were anywhere near that cheap. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around how they can make a working model of a crescent wrench with two colors. (old video I watched previously) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DNA_Vinyl 262 Posted June 4, 2014 The blob or the printer? LOL Ha...BOTH! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeeJaysPlace 476 Posted June 5, 2014 Yep i want one.. some day maybe.. when they are around $500-700 lol maybe hehe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites