Inspired by Roy's fabrication machine at Expo
Oldbitcollector (Jeff)
Posts: 8,091
Looking at Roy's fabrication machine at PEXPO/UPEW, I was curious if it might be possible to create an inexpensive version of this (Propeller controlled of course!) which might be able to start very simple and create a more complex version of itself. I know folks have created upgrade parts using the machine, but how cool would it be if you could start with some very simple parts (glue gun extruder) and slowly upgrade to the complexity I saw on the project table.
Are there any projects like this all ready under way somewhere? My hardware engineering skills are simply not up to the task of under taking this with anything less than a kit, so I might simply have to purchase my own unit piece-by-piece.
OBC
Are there any projects like this all ready under way somewhere? My hardware engineering skills are simply not up to the task of under taking this with anything less than a kit, so I might simply have to purchase my own unit piece-by-piece.
OBC
Comments
OBC
I still believe it's possible to construct a basic platform for a couple of hundred, plus the motors, which can be purchased surplus from a number of courses. Many of us don't need a large machine, so something that does parts under 75mm is fine. That reduces cost. Some components for the machine, like the mandel, have to be fabricated, but those can be done on any CNC. I don't think the design has to be self-replicating like the RepRap. Contrary to its aim, this goal can actually increase the complexity of the design, and so make it more expensive in the long run.
I once heard Parallax was working with the MakerBot folks for using the Propeller as the controller. Don't know where that currently stands.
Eventually, perhaps within the next few years, Brother, Canon, Samsung, or another paper printer manufacturer will produce one of these for the mainstream market. It'll be intended for low-end business, so it'll be in the $1K range, but prices will come down, and they'll eventually do something for the consumer market.
-- Gordon
-Phil
IOW, think Brother p-Touch and the outrageous prices they charge for a few yards of labeling tape.
But you're right, they have to ensure a hassle-free experience, or at least strive for it. To test drive the market and process they can come out with one that decorates cupcakes and pastry with color-injected frosting. Same basic idea, and they already have these for sale at hobby and craft stores. Only they're specialized and not produced in high volumes, so they're more expensive. You have to be a pretty dedicated cake maker to afford one.
-- Gordon
Maybe check out bart dring, the sliders are also the frame ad bearings.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/93832939/makerslide-open-source-linear-bearing-system
This is likely to be my next build, the prop control firmware won't be out until summer-ish.
I think the printrbot guy visited Parallax a while ago. That is about the lowest cost one out there I think.
The Up 3d Printer has been out for a while. Fully assembled (metal) for around $1,500.
MakerBot's new Replicator is a very nice, smooth, quiet machine. Fully assembled (laser cut light ply and a bunch of injection molded parts) for about $2k with dual extruders. The resolution is rapidly approaching that of the commercial machines. With dual extruders you can print with a water soluble support material - just like the big boys. If I were to buy another printer right now, it would be the Replicator.
-Phil
http://www.indiegogo.com/veloso3dprinter
A non-sputtered build approach is likely to be the kind used with mainstream devices. Photopolymers may be more costly than filament, and can do only one color, but for most jobs they provide a superior result.
But there are other methods, too, including laser cut paper sandwiched together. This is one of the reasons I said a paper printer maker may get involved sooner than we think. We'll see these first at FedEx Office (ye olde Kinkos). Those machines will be $20K+ jobbies, though, where speed is important.
-- Gordon
But Jeff, imagine how I feel: I didn't get to meet the legendary OBC!!! Next time fer sher...
This company seems to be selling the same machine:
-Phil
I think it's better to get a kit and build it, because you will acquire the knowledge to help you keep it maintained in the process. It's not too bad, but you can't expect to just keep printing on it forever without cleaning, adjusting and maybe even replacing/repairing parts.
Also, I really want to get a Prop based controller going on this. My main issue is time to spend on it. I have other things I am working on that are arguably more important, but I hope to squeeze some time here and there and get something going.
Sorry I do not have video of my specific machine, but if you search youtube for eMaker Huxley, you can find several videos of others.
I did do a blog post with pictures of my machine and some stuff I printed with it: http://rpef.blogspot.com/2012/03/adventures-in-3d-printing.html
I'm with you...as we were in the same tent, we got about the same coverage. There were many attendees I did not get the chance to meet in person this year.
Darn. I should have got it before leaving the States....