3D Printers & Hobby LASERS oh my...

[esaresky75]

In 10 years, the cost of these have fallen so much. I can't wait to see what else is available in the next 10 years. Tabletop waterjet??

http://fslaser.com/40w-deluxe-hobby-laser-engraver-and-cutter

[markbt73]

Oh wow, i used to work with those at a sign shop. Amazing piece of equipment. And yeah, 10 years ago, they were $15-20k.

My dream workshop has one of these, a 3D printer, a small milling machine, and a small CNC router/engraver. I'd still be a hack, but I'd be a hack with cool toys...

[limestang]

Today I found this article showing a new $200 3-D printer. This really opens up the market to the inspired hobbyist.

- Limestang


http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/07/The-micro-3d-printer/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000589

[integra22t]

Today I found this article showing a new $200 3-D printer. This really opens up the market to the inspired hobbyist.

- Limestang


http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/07/The-micro-3d-printer/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000589

its getting so close to star trek

[tamiya]

its getting so close to star trek

meh, just need hot water & a teabag to make Earl Grey today

[myfordcnc]

This is just my opinion but extruder like printers are already dinosaur. It's fantastic that these kind of printers are getting affordable. They will let people play around with this tech. However the powder deposition printers are for now the leaders in quality as far as this kind of thing is concerned. With extruders you are limited to materials that flow. So plastics and cake toppings. With sintering printers you can use metals as well as plastics. I think the ideal price should be about 5 grand for a high quality printer.

[mytimac]

This is just my opinion but extruder like printers are already dinosaur. It's fantastic that these kind of printers are getting affordable. They will let people play around with this tech. However the powder deposition printers are for now the leaders in quality as far as this kind of thing is concerned. With extruders you are limited to materials that flow. So plastics and cake toppings. With sintering printers you can use metals as well as plastics. I think the ideal price should be about 5 grand for a high quality printer.

Having used both, the part costs are far too high in sintering right now and the parts generally suffer from being too brittle. They are getting better, but 3D Systems didn't buy Makerbot because they thought extruded was dead. They both have their issues and strengths depending on your needs.

Try to make a completely enclosed hollow part with sintering.