The Future is Coming - A Parts Printer

[Luremaker]

I stumbled on this a few days ago and just can't believe the potential. Printers which can actually print 3D objects. For example you can print a part out of nylon that you can actually pickup hold and use. Right now they are expensive and used for prototyping but who knows in the future.

In the future these printers might become afordable. Imagine printing, yes printing a 3D replacement part, no longer available, in the matter of a few hours. No more trips to the parts store. No more waiting weeks. Simply print your own replacement part from a 3D cad drawing. The potential is unlimited. I want one of these now!!

3D Printers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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[Zick]

I remember reading about that in Popular Science magazine I believe. Cool little product, it would be awesome if the price were more reasonable someday.

 

[chevyzr2s10]

These machines are extremely interesting. We have several of them at my college. We even have one that can print parts in Metal.

 

[jimmer2880]

We got a few demo pieces from one of those. I was very impressed with how rigid the parts were.

I'm waiting on the one which will make a cheeseburger & fries

 

[actionaj]

I would like to see small cnc machines like this made very affordable. I know Sears has a small printer size cnc router for $1700. With something like this possibility's are endless.

 

[RobS]

We utilize this technology at work quite a bit. It is pretty cool. We bought a machine but ended up getting rid of it. Like always, you get what you pay for. They cut some corners and got a piece of junk. We're back to the outside suppliers, but it's still great. Funny thing is they stressed it as a 3D printer to the point of installing it in the office and not the model shop. That part was correct, it's quiet and odorless, fits the office environment just fine.

I was at a show a couple of years ago and they were demonstrating the same thing with colors. They could model a part with a logo in color! Very impressive. We've had some apps where they make the patterns for castings and even molds for injection molding with it. In the "old" days, we'd have a wood model made by a skilled pattern maker to take to a customer to show a new concept. Now it's a click away!

Great stuff, unless you're the skilled pattern maker...

 

[Luremaker]

I had no idea how popular these printers are already. Can't wait for them to become affordable. Wonder if I'll ever be able to afford the ink cartridges!

 

[studor]

First one I saw was at the Dentists office to make caps, crowns and on-lays -- really cool and done during one appointment!!

 

[ccsial]

I would like to see small cnc machines like this made very affordable. I know Sears has a small printer size cnc router for $1700. With something like this possibility's are endless.

Unfortunately the Sears unit is only a 2 axis machine. It would be nice to see them make a 3 axis.

These 3D printers have actually been around for over 20 years and used for prototyping stuff. They are getting more improved and cheaper every year.

 

[Tig]

I'm waiting on the one which will make a cheeseburger & fries

For you trekkies out there it could be. "Tea. Earl Grey. hot."