Posted on 08/21/2017 4:41:09 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Markforged, a 3D printer manufacturer based in Boston, has just announced two new models — the X3 and the X5. Both of these printers are designed to create carbon fiber-infused objects using a standard filament printing system and both can produce items that can replace or are stronger than steel objects.
Both printers have auto-leveling and scanning systems to ensure each printed object is exactly like every other. Further, the printers use Markforged’s special thermoplastic fiber filament, while the X5 can add a “strand of continuous fiberglass” to create objects “19X stronger and 10X stiffer than traditional plastics.” This means you can print both usable parts and usable tools using the same machine and, thanks to the fiberglass weave, you can ensure that the piece won’t snap on use. For example, one customer printed a custom valve wrench in 10 minutes using one of these printers.
Now for the bad news. The X3 costs a mere $36,990, while the X5 costs $49,900. These are aimed at what Markforged calls “local manufacturers.” Luckily you’re not stuck with the printer if you outgrow it. The X3 can easily be upgraded to work with X5’s filament and both are aimed at manufacturing shops that need to produce finished products on the fly.
“Customers can now, with ease, print same-day parts that optimize strength and affordability for their specific needs,” said CEO Greg Mark.
These printers are part of Markforged’s effort at creating a real “teleporter.” Thanks to the complex scanning and measurement systems built into these units, users can receive a 3D printer model and print it to exacting specifications. The system also has a failsafe mode that restarts at any time as the laser scanner can check to see exactly where the print stopped. The company is also hard at work on some impressive metal printing technologies that turn out parts that are usable in complex machines.
When safe and reliable rifle barrels can be printed, I’ll need to be getting one.
GE and Seimen’s/Westinghouse have been 3D printing gas turbine blades and parts for years.
They will get cheaper over time, especially once you get 3D printers making 3D printers.
Accuracy, repeatability, surface texture and conductivity are the main characteristics my industry’s demand - satcom. We spend massive amounts of money producing extremely complex precision machined, brazed then post machined waveguide assemblies.
An AR-15 in Every Home: 3D Gun Printer Cody Wilson on the Right to Resistance, Hacking the Media, and Trump
http://reason.com/reasontv/2016/11/23/3d-gun-printer-cody-wilson-on-the-right
“You cannot invade the mainland US. There’d be a rifle behind every blade of grass.”
Thanks for the link, that interview was interesting. It gave me new direction as to my next gun-related purchase.
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