Posted on 01/13/2013 8:38:15 PM PST by null and void
Guide to Personal 3D Printers
3D Systems Cube 3D There is an emerging new category in the gadget world. The products are called 3D printers and although still evolving, they are becoming relatively affordable and quite workable. The term and the idea of a personal 3D printer came from the work of two MIT grad students who in 1995 modified an inkjet printer to deposit layers of plastic in a process sometimes referred to as additive manufacturing. RepRap was also early on the 3D printer scene with an open source 3D printer project that helped inspire an early 3D printer from MakerBot called the Cupcake CNC machine. The Cupcake has since evolved into the high quality, $2,000 Replicator 2, 3D printer. Although there are many different varieties of 3D printers ranging in price from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, were going to look at what goes into the more affordable versions.
Note: Be sure and check out our roundup of affordable 3D printers. |
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****Yes, There was an excellent article in a publication that doesn’t allow FR postings. I can’t find it at the moment, but when I get back this evening I’ll see if I can at least get you a link.****
That would be much appreciated.
“The first 4-banger electronic pocket calculators were over $100. Give it time.”
IIRC, they were about $400, as were the first digital watches. I now have a Casio which handles both tasks.
Walmart $14.99
I first saw the ShopBot CNC router at the Furniture Manufacturing Show in Greensboro, NC about 12 -14 years ago. Their booth was across the aisle from a $250k CNC router. The least expensive units, other than the ShopBot, were about $35k
The ShopBot in those days was $3995 and placed CNC routing within the reach of small shops and serious hobbyists. New products and new businesses followed.
http://www.shopbottools.com/products.htm
Adding CNC milling to 3D printing is a great idea. What about adding a MIG additive “printhead”?
When will 3D printers replicate themselves ?
Thanks.
I bought a CupCake when they first came out. Please add me to the 3D printer list. Thanks!
Done.
That would be much appreciated.
Couldn't find it. Sorry.
Absolutely right.
Just today I happened to be looking through one of my early '70's issues of National Lampoon. There was an ad in there for a calculator. Why, you could add, subtract, multiply and divide with this thing! (we're talking 1973 here).
Price? $49.95, and that's in 1973 dollars.
You watch. In 5-10 years, maybe sooner, these things will be under $100.
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