This is kind of an interest of mine - not because I have any of the gear, but because it’s a fascinating subject. The latest machines use a plastic to “print” a 3D model held in a computer.

For those who don’t know how it works, the process is very much like a plotter (the kind where a pen is moved on an x/y plane). However, instead of ink, a plastic layer is laid down. The platform is then dropped by a very small amount, and a new layer is printed, and this continues until you have a 3D object.

This interview on the BBC news Web Site (which MAY be locked to only UK viewers) talks to a company rep whose 3D printer can handle stainless steel. That means that these guys can print metal, which means we could theoretically start to make spare engine components.

This would rule out the need for a CNC machine.

 

I've read that David Letterman owns one of these to support his collection of old cars for parts that are no longer manufactured.

 

I think you mean Jay Leno

 

Jay Leno has one which prints in plastic, so he can prototype, and then he sends the data to a CNC machine. It’s an excellent way to maintain any piece of obsolete machinery. I was at a show last weekend where there was one being demoed. It was aimed at model train collectors, with the idea that you could model some rolling stock and then print off however many you need. A rather costly piece of kit for a hobbyist, but if you were a business looking to make loads, this could save a lot of cash before going to full production.

I would, of course, love to have a machine like this.

I am starting to doubt the metal printing part, though. It seems that a number of April Fool gags came out a day early, so I am now feeling a bit sceptical about that side of the tech. It would be wonderful if they could print in steel, but I wonder if the heat requirements would be above the abilities of such a machine. I suppose heating a very thin piece of steel wire to melting point would be relatively easy.

 

I think you're right - brain f**t

Thanks

 

And here is a web site where you can upload your models and have them printed, in 3D, and in metal if you want.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? A way to get spares?

Shapeways | About - Upload and 3D print

 

Looking at the metal process, it may not be suitable for engineering. I don’t know what the stresses it can take are. You could make your own metal trim - they seem to be able to do things up to a metre long.

 

The Jay Leno site.
http://widgets.nbc.com/o/47f1317f105...a4377d3bfd6c81
The scanner.
https://www.nextengine.com/indexSecu...FSJ25Qod9igVwg
The printer.
3D Printers - Dimension Printing - 3D Printing, 3D Printer, uPrint, Rapid Prototyping
For less than $20,000 you could make a good coffee cup holder.

 

I honestly can't wait til these drop down to about $200-$300 bucks at best buy, or even better! when they are bundled in with the purchase of a new computer (whatever that will be by then).

 

Wow you guys are way ahead of me just got my23d printer and yes it was less the 200.00
does anyone have stl file for the letters thanks Lisa