Possible alternative for replicating trike parts..

[Mosh]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ-aWFYT_SU

Man if this is possible, forget expensive mold making processes for trike parts.
Just replicating and on off switch casing, or toolbox is now possible.

[fire1]

Man I can only imagine what one of those cost

[rdlsz24]

I think I saw one of those on Saturday morning cartoons when I was growing up

Rob

[Big Mike]

I was hoping he would drop it to see if it would shatter or not! And that is just up the road from HERE!!!

[SPD FRK]

I agree about it changing everything. The possibilities are quite exciting.
I wish they had held them side by each when they were done though. Looked like it was way off for things like engine parts or anything with tolerances.
And can someone tell this nancy boy how a wrench works please. He had it on the nut backwards.

[El Camexican]

I saw something like this at a trade show in TX a few weeks ago. Unfortunately they wanted to sell me the machine and had no interest in making parts. I don't recall the cost, but it was not cheap. Unfortunately the plastic the guys I met (Stratasys) were offering is not very heat resistant, but it sure is a great way to make models.

[Chazz of Blades]

Finally! A printer that's more expensive than the ink!

[remsandpets]

It is actually a 3D printer. It prints in layered plastic. It is great for modling parts but will not work for replicating things that need strength. My Kid uses one at school in the Megotronics class of Eastern Westmoreland Career and Tech Center. It cost in the range of $30,000. and the print catrige is a couple hundred. Material is not stiff, kind of plyable. Just my 2 cents worth. BTW she is off to Rodchester Institute of Tehnology for mechanical Engineering in the fall of 2012. Im so proud!

[El Camexican]

Maybe we’ll luck out and she’ll grow up to invent one of these that can make parts in aluminum!

[200x350xtriz250]

I can't aswer alot of questions about this but my company makes A LOT of parts for 3D Systems Corp 's machines. Lots of info here. Cool stuff indeed.


http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/usd/
http://www.3dsystems.com/personal-3d-printers

[300rman]

Rapid Prototype machine. Useful for making prototypes, but not useful for making anything durable.

[KASEY]

watched this before.. its all bullcrap!!!!!!!! look at the printed wrench.. its NOTHING like the actual wrench!!!! its all smoke and mirrors!!!

[Mosh]

Although I have not seen it in person...Think "Composites"...What could be made with "Composite materials"????

I understand it is no good for metals...

[250x]

try useful for making molds.....with that thought..the possibilities are really endless....wouldn't be worth a crap as replacement parts...but to make the molds for them...hmmm

[Gag_Halfront]

There was an issue of Make magazine a couple years ago that had several home made 3D printers. I have it on a shelf at home if anybody wants the date so they can look at it.

[DRKCYDE]

So what we really just need is the scanner hooked up to a simple cnc machine.
How hard can it be?