The 3D Printing Revolution

[onlyme2]

This is pretty damned cheap for the sum of the parts. But, you would have to learn quite a bit about configuring and setting up a printer, but they are useful skills to have when running one in earnest as things do break and need replacing and setup/configuring/fettling is an ongoing process.

 

 

 

[Riedquat]

For large runs conventional methods won't be threatened by 3D printing. For small or individual ones it's a useful additional tool but not the silver bullet for every manufacturing problem some people are claiming it is (the design will remain a not-insignificant part of the time and expense there).

[nothernsoul]

Am I correct in saying 3d printed plastic cannot tolerate the same stress as injection moulded items because of the way it is built up in layers?

[onlyme2]

Agree, no way this type of 3d printing is any substitute for conventional mass product supply compared to injection moulding. Print times way too log, but can be very good for prototyping and one-offs, especially at this sort of price which is around 1/10th of the cost of just a few years ago for a parts kit that has a reasonable chance of providing good prints from first build. 

Abs print parts can be surprisingly robust, but it does depend on the design. Heavy duty plastics also contain all sorts of additives including fibreglass in some, as well as being solid material rather than being bonded layers, so yes in terms of rigidity moulded parts will most likely be more durable. Some clever stuff can be done with infill shape  to make light but strong parts though with 3D printing, giving far more flexibility for weight/performance tweaking. 

 

[StainlessSteelCat]

I have a couple of 3D printers.  The quality is now pretty good - and they are excellent for prototyping, small runs or one offs. 

[notMyName]

One of my clients earns his living creating prosthetics with them. Pretty cool stuff really.