3D Printing-Anyone here have experience?

[Charles Faw]

Last week, my son got to watch a 3D printer in action at a school science fair and he was fascinated. I'll admit, I've kicked around the idea of getting one for a while. It would really help me out in prototyping operations, plus they're just plain cool!

It seems there are many different companies offering them in many different price ranges. I'd like to stay in the sub-$1000 range. I don't mind doing a little tinkering, but don't want to spend more time working on it than using it (as is the case with some of these "ready to use" printers, according to the reviews). Does anyone here have any experience with them? If so, what model do you have and what are your experiences?

Thanks,
Charles

[Motorcycledave]

The Three D printers I have seen would run many many many many thousands of dollars:yikes:
at SEMA 2013 I asked and was told well over 50K for one large enough to make useable
things, they are good for making proto types that you give to the mfg. to copy.
Dave



Last week, my son got to watch a 3D printer in action at a school science fair and he was fascinated. I'll admit, I've kicked around the idea of getting one for a while. It would really help me out in prototyping operations, plus they're just plain cool!

It seems there are many different companies offering them in many different price ranges. I'd like to stay in the sub-$1000 range. I don't mind doing a little tinkering, but don't want to spend more time working on it than using it (as is the case with some of these "ready to use" printers, according to the reviews). Does anyone here have any experience with them? If so, what model do you have and what are your experiences?

Thanks,
Charles

[Charles Faw]

I'm looking more at the hobby grade machines such as the Solidoodle or Printrbot. These can be had for well under a grand. I realize anything in this price range is not going to give stellar results, but I'm basically looking for something fun to play with that could give me some decent one-off prototypes.

[SNOOPY]

I've seen some awesome stuff come out of them, but have no first hand experience.

For hobby is great in your price range, but for real world use yeah way over $50K.

I saw an episode of Kounts Kustoms where they were making lenses for cars that couldn't be found anymore...pretty cool.

[whiteyron]

I've seen some awesome stuff come out of them, but have no first hand experience.

For hobby is great in your price range, but for real world use yeah way over $50K.

I saw an episode of Kounts Kustoms where they were making lenses for cars that couldn't be found anymore...pretty cool.

Before I retired last Aug. I worked for Medtronic and we had a uPrint (brand) in our office, we could make models in the 6 inch by 6 inch range, very cool tech. The unit we had was about 17K.

[Rob Rodriguez]

I've been looking at the makerbot replicator 2 http://www.makerbot.com/ and the 3D Systems Cube http://www.3dsystems.com/3d-printers/personal/cube .

They are a little more than you want to spend but I believe in their price range they are fairly reliable.

I too have been thinking about buying one just to play with. I do 3D CAD work for a living www.axiscadsolutions.com so I could justify these with some actual projects but I really just wanted to get one to make some stuff, play with, teach the kids, etc.

[SNOOPY]

I've been looking at the makerbot replicator 2 http://www.makerbot.com/ and the 3D Systems Cube http://www.3dsystems.com/3d-printers/personal/cube .

They are a little more than you want to spend but I believe in their price range they are fairly reliable.

I too have been thinking about buying one just to play with. I do 3D CAD work for a living www.axiscadsolutions.com (http://www.axiscadsolutions.com) so I could justify these with some actual projects but I really just wanted to get one to make some stuff, play with, teach the kids, etc.


I did 3D CAD work in the late 80's...guess I'm a pioneer in that industry....I can't even imagine how different it is now. Lol !

[Charles Faw]

I've been looking at the makerbot replicator 2 http://www.makerbot.com/ and the 3D Systems Cube http://www.3dsystems.com/3d-printers/personal/cube.

My son said the one he saw was a Makerbot. I looked at their mini version, and although its a little more than I wanted to spend, I haven't crossed it off the list. I just don't like the idea of having to order the filament directly from them. Most other printers use generic filament for about half the cost online.

[SNOOPY]

Uh oh, somebody knows something. roflmao