Hi, 3d printing, from a fledging geekery project a few years ago to in every home and millions of pound been invested in commercial printing.

 

So my challenge, or question for discussion is, any need for it yet in the scope of our automotive world?

 

Make cup holders to take your phone, to save it rattling around.

 

Cable runs, again similar vein, my 12v socket; citigo, is too close to the gear stick, nylon ties are unsightly... make a plug/holder to take cables away from the gearstick.

 

replica models with your username on... nodding dog

 

actually did think about making engine blocks in a 'how it's made' lego esque way.

 

Not actually brought a printer, but beginning to think about opportunities to spend hours in the garage with a heater on. Although technically I don't need to, I could be in a coffee shop and send it so scary!

there's a guy on Skoda owners clubs FB page, made some 3d printed wheel centre caps

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151972648407859&set=o.122916664399107&type=3&theater

Estelle with boudicca hubs...

 

New stance on lowering. I guess wheel centre caps are logical though... of course I have not done 3d design, but did get a pretty good grade for A level design tech in education land... guess I'm hoping to reinvigorate that creative bit inside me.

 

I'd only been thinking about things that don't exist or are obscure not to warrant a full mould/press cycle.

I think it is already being used in the automotive / aerospace industry to great effect - especially when dealing with the customers / manufacturers who are thousands of miles apart. The components can be developed / designed / tested in the US (for example) and rather than send samples etc via costly air freight/sea freight, the files can be sent via email or whatever with the customer simply "printing" the parts off.

 

I saw a small piece on the news the other day where a university are trying to mix the components together - so using not only plastic but alloy too.

 

Fantastic technological development IMO.

Chap in America has invested millions to making commercial printing viable. i.e. send file of, get 'component' in post a few weeks later. I got the impression he was targeting domestics.

 

iIt was a radio article and like you I understood he; they, could be same group had gotten other materials to print. No idea the resolution, but printing wood, plastic, metal... can't be massively different other than the energy bill. Although wood I was still a bit perplexed by but this helped...http://3dprintingreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/3d-printing-wood-grain.html

 

I've no idea who it was as it was a radio article while driving. These folks do ABS printing and I've actually got an old rucsac, I stopped using it as the buckles are broken and I'm not unstitching the pack... I could print new ones with a gap or get some tat and a krab... 

Im a 3D Design engineer using solidworks the scope for what you can create is limited by A: Imagination B: size of component. C: Cost We don't even have a rapid prototype machine or 3d printer due to cost as its often more cost effective to have the item machined, cast or cut out of the actual finished material. The surface finish on some of the cheaper machines aimed at home users can be shockingly bad. One unique thing a 3D printer can do though is print an item within an item so for example it could print a ball with another loose ball inside i am unaware of another manufacturing process where you could do this in one run.

I know someone locally who is a commercial model maker, the type he makes is architects models, who has just invested in one. He has said it has made his job much easier as they already supply him with all the dimensions, which previously he had to transfer to card or plastic sheet. Now he just does a CAD drawing and sends it to his printer.

 

In the specialist model railway world it has also taken off, doing short runs of specialist models. At first the surface texture wasn't brilliant and needed "finishing" but as the raw plastic inks has improved so has quality.

Think it will only be a matter of time before this comes to the personal user - someone like Amazon or a furniture manufacturer will pick it up and you'll be able to order a mug, chair, table and have it printed locally rather than paying delivery. or something like that!

Think it will only be a matter of time before this comes to the personal user - someone like Amazon or a furniture manufacturer will pick it up and you'll be able to order a mug, chair, table and have it printed locally rather than paying delivery. or something like that!

 

That was the jist of the radio article for the chap in the US. 

 

Indeed the models I've seen / looked at the finish was not great. Perfect for a hobby or to refine with some fine grit paper.

 

I use to make model aeroplanes, lets say I dropped one while cleaning a shelf... it could be destroyed, I could make a new 'wing', or make it over again :( I guess size is only limited if imagination and engineering fall short, i.e. build components.

 

I like the ball inside a ball, that would keep my niece busy for a while, how do you do that then...

 

So lets start thinking of some things, we'll ignore reality about how till after supper.

I think Maplin's recently listed a 3D printer that wasn't overly expensive.

 

One company that is doing some specialist railway modelling using this tecnique is Shapeways Models.

All the 3D printed stuff I have seen form domestic or cheaper printers looks awful, really unfinished and looking like something you could win from a Christmas cracker (if it were big enough). I am guessing the expensive printers output much better stuff ?

Everyone just seems to make guns with them

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/first-ever-metal-3d-printed-gun-manufactured-in-the-us-8932953.html

All the 3D printed stuff I have seen form domestic or cheaper printers looks awful, really unfinished and looking like something you could win from a Christmas cracker (if it were big enough). I am guessing the expensive printers output much better stuff ?

 

...and potentially bigger stuff...

http://www.3dprinterworld.com/article/meet-kamermaker-3d-printer

 

Agree with you BTW. My mate's spent say £2000 on his Makerbot. He's now building a tripod. Whether that's any better at finishing articles, remains to be seen.

 

J.

I ordered a new printer last month, but it is taking ages to download and print out.

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(JOKE ALERT!!!)

Would be worth experimenting with, never actually seen anything that has been 3D printed, how tough and durable would it be?

Just watch the fuzz don't have it off you - accusing you of making gun parts!