Re: 3D Printer - Available Printers

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "adaniel30720" <dantrol@...>
wrote:

>
> Before I make a wrong move, can someone comment on the following
> printers that may be available: (1) HP 500 DeskJet B/W Printer. How
> will this printer compare with those currently discussed? (2) HP
> LaserJet or LaserJet4. I find that others are working with 3D Laser
> Printing and are apparently using desktop printer techniques. Also, a
> variety of materials can be used to build the final product. Can the
> LaserJet be handled in a similar manner to the ink-jet printers?
> Thanks - Al Daniel
>

If you are looking for safe bets then don't bother starting, instead
wait while others waste there time and money :) I'm on my 3rd new
printer (although I put the second one back together and am giving it
to my Mum),this is research and development at the moment, mistakes
are obligatory.

The older printers sometimes had a separate motor for cleaning etc,
this could be an advantage. Steppers are probably less easy to
interface with if they are micro-stepped, if it doesn't use the
stepper for the paper feed then you may be able to just use it as it
is but you need to work out how to return the gantry. Switching the
lines on the stepper might work if you don't blow up the drivers. The
older printers may have more hackable drivers though, who knows.
Another question, if you get it working and it conks out then what?
You are stuck.

Personally I would stick with new printers, they are so cheap it
hurts. If you spend $500 on this project (you would have the try
hard) then you have still saved close to $40k on the commercial version!!

Graham