3D Printers - The differences

mistermsk · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 4:33 pm Post subject: 3D Printers - The differences

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone on here has dealt with 3D printers? Most of the items I see seam to come out like a brand new item.

Example near the middle of the page.

However, when I was viewing some people that actually printed some items, I see they had jagged edges.

Example near the bottom of the page.

Why the crappy one on the second link versus the first? I see the 3D printers can range from $500 to $20,000 for the most part. I see there is 1 or 2 nozzle 3D printers. I know you get what you pay for, but I don't want to pay $20,000 when a $500 to $2,000 one could do the same. I also don't want to pay a $1,000 and get crap out of it either.

Anyone have any experience in this?
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SkydivinGirl · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:02 pm Post subject:

I am completely shocked at the low quality print from the MakerBot. I wonder if it was calibrated properly because the prints that I see on the MakerBot web site are of much higher quality.

I'm really interested in 3D printing because it will allow our community to design and print cases for all our great retro projects. This would be great because the cost of doing a case any other way is prohibitively expensive.

I look forward to seeing others comment in this thread.

Heather

mistermsk · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:49 pm Post subject:

SkydivinGirl wrote:

I'm really interested in 3D printing because it will allow our community to design and print cases for all our great retro projects. This would be great because the cost of doing a case any other way is prohibitively expensive.

I totally agree. That is why I was wanting one. I don't have the $20,000 but I have seen them as low as $500 to $850 which I could possibly do. I have a SX-64 with one of the keyboard clips broke, I have a 1541 with the pull down door and that has a break in it, I have a uIEC I would love to design and make a case (probably give it to my son since he is great with CAD and makes gears and other hardware for his robot that competed in competitions.) Also, cartridge cases. I have a couple cartridges like my 64Nic+ and a 8k one I made my self that does not fit in a regular case. With a EPROM in them, they just don't close properly. Would love to build one specifically made for the 64Nic+ and that otherone. Also, got some MMC Replay cards I would love to make cases for. Yes I could buy some and then drill holes and cut out for SD Card area and the Network plug, but why not make them?

Imagine making the blue circles for SX-64 cases, re-design the bottom of a 64 case so that it has mounting points for an internal uIEC, or even making a bottom for the 1551 that is stronger then the original one (one that could survive shipment).
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sjgray · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:19 pm Post subject:

It's a great idea. I'd love to make cases myself. I'd love to design and make a "c64 laptop" case, or make a C65 replica case (I have a keyboard but no case or motherboard yet)... If a decent quality 3D printer was under $1000 I'd pick one up!

Steve