I think the greatest benefits of RM lay in the custom made, and the making of parts only possible using Free Form Fabrication techniques. The RP process is linear in costs. Initial outlay is low, but part cost individually will be quite high with unlimited customization between part builds. Whereas traditional tooling methods are exactly the opposite. Those strengths in particular should be explby proto - General
Hey guys, If you come up with some good ideas in .stl, post them up in this thread and I'll build them using an SLS Machine to give you an idea of how well it would work. SLS is the king of RP'ing Snap fits. The only condition is you allow me to use the design as samples for our customers. Snap fits are always quite impressive for our sales guys to show off.by proto - Mechanics
A vibrating part bed is actually not so bad of an idea for levelling out the powder once its been deposited. It will need a good deal of vibration depending on the material used. Unfortunately, you're also going to be wobbling your 'curing' parts, and also potentially misalign the bed for the next layer of printing. Then theres the problem of constantly shaking a cartesian bot made of cheap steeby proto - Powder Printing and Selective Laser Sintering
makeit Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > > I think this is how the refill layer system works. > This setup lets the Plow do a double pass over the > new layer to ensure a nice clean unform layer. The > first pass happens when it travels over the print > area- since it's place before the printer > cartridge. The next pass grabs the newly rby proto - Powder Printing and Selective Laser Sintering
makeit Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > But where do I post such a thing, and how can it > not come across as pompous. I'm so scared of > coming across wrong to you guys. I really want you > to know that like you I just want a machine that > make great 3d parts from 3d computer data. The only stupid question is the one not asked mate. Yourby proto - Mechanics
Kyle Corbitt Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Please diego, you can disagree if you'd like, but > keep it civil! > > Many a viable product has begun its design life as > a shoebox and an idea - a lack of a polished model > should NEVER be used as proof that something won't > or can't work, especially in the initial stages. Precisely! Spoockeby proto - Mechanics
Print To 3D Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I don't really agree with Proto, packing files > together into one .stl is a major pain in the .... > sometimes. If they are not on the same plane then > we just have a major headache. Also if parts are > too close it can cause problems especially if > parts are somehow connected. Then you also haveby proto - Reprappers
You won't get anywhere using an online quoter. I work for a firm like this. I recommend you collect all your .stl's together, and create a build envelope as tightly packed as possible. The major price in any RP work is always going to be total Z height, as this is the factor that takes the most time. If you create an 'assembly', tightly packed in and ready to roll, you should be able to get a sby proto - Reprappers
Dylan Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I was going to put a laser on mine too, but the > salvaged ones are not good for much. I was looking > into a 2-5+ watt diode. I want to stay away from > gas powered ones just to keep it simple (and > safer). > It would probably take too much power to do > anything significant that wouldn't be easier withby proto - Laser Cutter Working Group
DaveR Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Anyone played Portal? > > > yped-Weighted-delCompaniondel-Stor/ > :-) Loved it. Loved it so much I went and stuck these .stl's in my SLS Machine. Aluminum/Nylon 11 by 50/50 weight mix, Companion Cube! Need to sort out this blistering effect I get from Al mixesby proto - Let's design something! (I've got an idea ...)