[simpits-tech] 3D printer worth it?

[Chris Crowley]

20k is quite the start up cost. Are you sure you couldn't buy some knobs and
then make molds? Cheap affordable. That is how they are done now.

Its a neat device, but I personnaly couldn't justify the expense with the
idea of selling knobs.

VR,
Chris Crowley



-----Original Message-----
From: Gene Buckle [mailto:geneb at deltasoft.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 9:27 PM
To: Simulator Cockpit tech list
Subject: Re: [simpits-tech] 3D printer worth it?


>
> 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.
>

Well Keith, it's nice to see that someone has finally become crazier than
I am.  Congrats! :)

One very important thing you'll have to factor into your decision is the
cost of your consumables.  That will eventually dictate your per-unit
cost.

Another thing you might want to investigate is the structural strength of
the material used.  I would ask them for an example part made on one of
their printers.  When you get it, see what it takes to break it.

Good luck! :)

g.




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