3D Printers

[Toolman]

I am thinking about getting (or Making) a 3D Printers and wondered if anyone has any experience with them?

I have looked at the Maplin one Velleman K8200 for example & it doesn't look any more difficult than a heli to build.
[URL]http://www.k8200.eu/manual/building/?c=001[/URL]

Before you ask, No I am not expecting to 3D Print spare Blade Grips & Maingears!
But 3D printed parts used in low Stressed areas is a possibility.

Tim.

[Paulo uk]

I have been using one for 3 or 4 months. What do you want to know?

Paul

[kroozing]

Paulo, do you do commission work?

[Paulo uk]

I can do, yes, Im at the level now where the strength and accuracy of my prints is of a high enough standard. I can also do the drawings from good measurements.

Paul

[kroozing]

What format do you need the drawings in? i've toyed with the idea but didn't have the balls to commit

[Paulo uk]

I would need .stl or Skp, can probably work with most 3d files though

Pm me and I will give you my number then we can discuss.

Paul

[Toolman]

OK I have some questions:-

The print material, there seems to be 2 materials they use PLA & ABS.
Is thier much difference between them?
Is this material usable strengthwise or is it really only good for models etc?
The ABS seems to have a higher Temperature resistance.

The PLA or ABS seems to come in either 1.75mm or 3mm reels, does it make any difference?

Which model did you get & would you recommend it?

Thanks

Tim.

[Paulo uk]

Answers below:

[COLOR=#008000]The print material, there seems to be 2 materials they use PLA & ABS.
[/COLOR]Actually there are many printable materials now. I have had great results with nylon recently. But the most popular and successful are as you say ABD and PLA[COLOR=#008000]

Is thier much difference between them?
[/COLOR]Yes, in appearance PLA has a semi opaque look and is more shiny than abs. A good way to describe the 2 would be pla looks like apple juice and abs looks like milkshake (i hope that makes sense).[COLOR=#008000]
[/COLOR]PLA is more brittle, Abs is stronger and more crash resistant
PLA requires a lower printing temp than abs
ABS smells when you print with it.[COLOR=#008000]

Is this material usable strengthwise or is it really only good for models etc?
The ABS seems to have a higher Temperature resistance.
[/COLOR]I prefer ABS its certainly tougher and as you say will tolerate a hight temp. If your models are designed well, they can be extremely strong and incredibly light weight.[COLOR=#008000]


The PLA or ABS seems to come in either 1.75mm or 3mm reels, does it make any difference?
[/COLOR]Legend has it that people who use 1.75 get better prints, but I use 3mm and have great results that other reprappers seem impressed with.[COLOR=#008000]

Which model did you get & would you recommend it?
[/COLOR]I have a mendelmax and I read up for a long time before making my decision. There is better out there, but depends on your budget. I am getting parts for my ap multirotors that I use for work, so I am more than happy with it. I would most certainly recommend it.
[COLOR=#008000]
[/COLOR]Whatever you buy I would highly reccomend that you pick a model with a good support community, because you will need it.[COLOR=#008000]

Thanks

Tim.[/QUOTE]
[/COLOR]

HTH,


Paul

[Toolman]

Paul,
Very helpful answers thanks,

I was just looking at MendelMax machine, nice big print size.
Did you buy from the US or is there someone selling in the UK.
It comes in kit form, yes?

Tim.

[Zeeflyboy]

I have (and love) the makergear m2

It has a heated bed so will print any material you care to mention, and build quality is top drawer. I use it constantly for structural parts and prototyping.

However If parts you make need to look cosmetically excellent an extrusion printer is not what you want. Even at 0.1mm layers the stepping is visible and you will always get some small artefacts.

For structural stuff or non-cosmetic they are great with a wide array of affordable materials and colours. Just make sure you get a heated bed as it gives you more options in that regard.

For cosmetic or visual pieces, I would pick up a Formlabs Form1 - the level of detail and surface finish is insane. Materials are (currently) more limited and more expensive however.

Then of course there's the option of shapeways. Downside is per-print cost (although the money you would have spent on a printer will go quite a long way!) and the lead time. By far the highest quality print you will get however and a mind blowing array of materials including metals and ceramics.

[Paulo uk]

comes as a kit, but I bought mine from ebay rtp and rebuilt it to my own standards! LOL

I think its the best printer in that budget range.


Paul

[PeterGrant]

Hi Tim (Toolman),
ABS and PLA are 3D printing plastic materials, but both have special qualities. Take a look at this comparison: [url=http://www.3d2print.net/shop/blog/2014/03/13/abs-pla-filament-comparison/]ABS and PLA FIlament Comparison | 3D2Print[/url]. I tried both PLA and ABS in my experiments and so far, I haven’t encountered any
problem yet. Maybe you have to try it on your own. The decision is yours man!