On 12/06/12 01:35, larry wrote:
> my review of the available materials for the printer indicated that present materials are lower grade "model only" materials. however there may be a few out there acceptable but caution is advised when building plastic parts for actual use. i have tested over 200 different grades and colors of acronytril butadeen styrene (abs). for use in different aplications. many of then may work in your application a few things i know to watch for:
Two friends of mine have the 'consumer' grade makerbots.
They can only 'print' thermosetting plastic - it has to melt in the
print head - they work some what like inkjets - squiring out a layer of
hot plastic. That plastic also has to stick to the layer already down.
As the plastic is applied molten, the types of things that can be made
is limited - you can't construct a 'raft' for example as the hot plastic
has nothing to support it while it cools.
Also the finished product is obviously layered and isn't watertight -
the example being a small printed mug which will not hold water.
To get a good finish or to make them water tight the pieces have to be
filled and sanded.
Great for model making or confirming a shape will do what is intended.
But for many objects they are incapable of producing what you could call
a 'finished' part. At best what you have made is the master object from
which the proper mould is made.
Of course as you go up the price scale, these 'rapid prototyping'
printers produce pieces that are closer to finished items - but their
price and operating cost increases accordingly.
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