[simpits-tech] 3D printer worth it?

[David C. Allen]

Hi Keith
A group of guys and myself here in Boise Idaho have looking at buying 
the 510. I have been to two classes put on by Z-Corp, one in Portland 
Oregon and the second in SLC Utah, and I was impressed with the 
quality of the output.

The nice thing is that the power models can be impregnated with 
different binders, for different applications. Some binders allow you 
too use the model for metal casting. While other epoxy based binders 
allow you to machine, drill and tap holes.

The 510 has made the operation almost 90% automatic, the de-powering 
has been a problem in an office environment, but the 510 solves that issue.

I would spend some time talking with service bureaus and getting a 
first hand view of the pricing of the models. We were looking a 
providing architectural models for the architect's in the treasure valley.

I was in Portland for a CNC trade show, and the Z-Corp was the best 
bang for the $$$, just my $0.02 worth.

Are you looking at the Z-Corp 3D scanner?

What software are you going to design the models with?

David
www.737FlightSim.com


>-----Original Message-----
>From: KD <chevello at rcn.com>
>Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 4:37 PM
>To: simpits-tech at simpits.org
>Subject: [simpits-tech] 3D printer worth it?
>
>Hey folks,
>
>I've been considering for a while whether or not to buy a 3D printer.
>Specifically the ZCorp one here:
>http://www.zcorp.com/products/printersdetail.asp?ID=1 It's single color,
>but I think it's pretty decent for startup. It can do any one color that
>you put in it apparently, so runs of certain colored parts would be
>doable. Eventually if I can swing it I would end up with one of the full
>color ones. They are pretty cool.
>
>I'm looking at several different options and ways to do this, but I'm
>asking around, and finding out how much interest there is out there in
>the sim community for bits and parts made with the thing.
>
>So, here are my questions for you guys: What parts would you be
>interested in seeing produced and what price range would you even
>consider for whatever it is? Is $10 too much for a knob or small part
>you need? $20? $30?
>
>Thinking of knobs and handles, different bezels maybe, could even do
>things like gauge pointers for fairly low cost especially in the
>"introductory period."  :)
>
>Parts and assemblies can get pretty complicated, and prices would adjust
>accordingly, but I'm thinking that cost-wise it may be more efficient
>for a lot of the items in the sim pits to do them this way rather than
>have things machined by a commercial machine shop. I'll probably offer a
>3D modeling service too, so if you can't do that part yourself, I would
>be able to do it from 2D or sketches
>
>Anyways, right now I am gaging interest in a few different areas, trying
>to get a feel for how long it might take to get rolling with the thing.
>There are a few people bugging me to go for it since they want things
>done, but I think they are thinking Monster Garage style freebies.
>
>Thanks for your input.
>
>KeithD
>
>
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