[TheForge] prototyping question

[Daniel T Hayes]

Terry,

I have a Cubex Trio that I use for prototyping. The Cubex is a much larger
ready to go out of the box unit with three print heads (e.g. can print three
color parts) but based on a quick Google search for the unit you are looking
at not so different. 

If you are going to buy a kit research it carefully (e.g. online reviews)
and look for a model with at least one online users group. The ability to
join an online "community" is critical. The 3D printing world is constantly
evolving. Just about everything is a "hack". I suggest you will find your 3D
printer version of TheForge priceless. 

Expect a steep learning curve, and know you are getting into a high
maintenance hobby. I don't mean high cost in dollars but rather anything but
a turnkey operation. I spent the money to get up and running ASAP (for me
its business, not hobby) and ended up changing and modifying things almost
immediately. For example the limitations of the software became evident
immediately, as did the lack of support from the manufacturer. I ended up
joining Kisslicer (an online group) and now use their software exclusively.
Before buying anything dig deep into the software needed and the level of
online support and advice available. It shouldn't be a problem but don't go
with something too simple. In my case I do my designs in CAD, my analysis
with Autodesk Simulation (FEA), prototype using the 3D printer and then
transfer over to CAM for production work. Compatibility and availability of
software is critical.

Definitely go with the smaller diameter filament. 1.75 is readily available
in just about any material you can imagine. Material, and the feed system
was another thing I changed out early. Expect problem with everything. My
unit came with high cost ($99 each) preloaded cassettes that 3D Systems
tries to use to make you buy from them at $70/lb when you can buy in bulk
for under $10/lb. The cassettes have a chip in them that the unit reads to
know the color, temperature and other setting to use but mainly it is set up
to not run unless you have a "genuine" 3D cassette in place. The first hack
I learned was how to override that limitation. At first to overcome jammed
cassettes then to make available a whole world of new materials. And then
came the drying and storage system (moisture content in the filament is
critical too).

Anyway, building it yourself is a great way to go. Even if you buy a ready
to use unit expect to have basically rebuilt it within not so many month of
use anyway. Jump right in and have a ball. Just expect it to consume a lot
of your time for a while. 3D printing is  tinkerer's Nirvana.

Dan

-----Original Message-----
From: TheForge [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of terry
l. ridder
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2016 9:20 AM
To: theforge e-mail list <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [TheForge] prototyping question

Hello

I have been looking at purchasing a 3d printer to use prototyping designs
and ideas. being cyber monday i thought it be a good time to look at the
various offerings and price some out.

Any experiences that others have had with using 3d printers would be
appreciated.

the only experience i have had with 3d printers was a friend's wax printer
that he used in making lost wax castings in his jewerly business.

i am leaning toward the arduino Materia 101 kit. 
the other one I have looked at is the velleman, from belguim, printer kit.
Velleman 3D Printer Kit K8200, the downside is that the printer uses 3mm
filament while most others use 1.75mm.

--
terry l. ridder ><>
______________________________________________________________
TheForge mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net

TheForge mail list group photo site is
http://www.shutterfly.com
Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
Password: anvil

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message
delivered to dhayes at dthayes.com