DocAndersen
The interesting reality about 3d printers is the reality of output rate. Personally, I used to think that most homes would have a 3d printer by 2025 or so. I don’t think anymore because it takes so long. In 2016 I set out to create ten napkin holders to use on Thanksgiving day. It took me two full days of starting, restarting and reloading plastic to get ten done. I ended up making many more than 10, just because I was into it, and my wife hated the color!
I found and printed a 3d Dragon for my sons. They are into Dungeons and Dragos, but they weren’t into the printed 3d version of a dragon. Oh well, I guess that one was a hit and a miss. The reality of 3d printing is that starting point. When I first started 3d printing, there were many fewer sites and capabilities. I got one of the first 3d scanners on the market, and it was horrible. Now the Eora3d is an easy to use mobile device 3d scanner that does a good job of taking objects from the real world into the digital. You can then modify the device and print a new version of it. I do that when I need to replace parts of things that are broken.
Finally, the new 3d printer I got is from Snapmaker. I will share pictures of my first prints either this weekend or next (depends on when I get the printer finished). There were three reasons I decided to give Snapmaker a try.
- The printer is all metal, that means it is sturdy, stable and since I am putting it together I know where all the parts are!
- The printer also does laser engraving. I have always wanted to try laser engraving. Don’t ask me why I just have.
- It also does laser carving. Not as big a gosh I want to do that thing for me, but a cool add-on.
For me, the best part of 3d printing is the front end. I hate waiting for the thing to print, although it is cool to watch the printer work. The most fun is when the object on the printer looks like what you were trying to print.
More to come!
I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the whole idea of a 3D printer. I’d love to actually watch one work. I doubt if I will ever own one.
Watching them work is amazing. First you heat up the bed that the plastic is extruded too, then you head up the plastic. THe device (printer head) lays down a thin layer of plastic and slowly adds on to the layers until. you have what you were thinking you were creating…
It sounds like something out of fantasy land.
I think it is! Can you imagine a future where you print your sun glasses?
No. I can’t. I think I need better sunglasses than can be made of plastic. I just get my glass glasses tinted.
I imagine the printing process mesmerizing. I’ve only seen videos though.
It actually is a lot of fun to watch each layer be placed. I did a video of it a couple of years ago just watching the printing!
Your field of expertise in technology with this engrossing description makes me feel old-fashioned!
It would not be my intent, Albert. You are the master of visual presentation, your art and pictures are beyond amazing!
I really understand that that’s not what you mean, Coach. Just because I am so amazed at you then I say it in such a tone.
I had to make sure Albert, I did not wish to hurt your feelings!
You are a kind and supportive master, so my heart is safe with you. Besides, it’s Valentine’s Day… so we should look a little more affectionate, right?
Good luck and enjoy, cannot wait to see the results.
Well step one is printer finished. Step two is finding a place to use it!
You will figure it out. 🙂
I will. it is a long process moving stuff around…