Re:3d printer news

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, H & J Johnson
<hjjohnson@...> wrote:

>
>
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, H & J Johnson
> > <hjjohnson@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hey guy's I thought I'd send a note and see if there was any
> > news
> > on the 3d printer front? I know there was a
> > > couple guy's working on this. I'm looking for something which
> > will 'print' me some investment casting molds
> > > in plaster.
> > >
> > > Can't stand the thought of spending $5k+ on a Z-corp unit when

I

> > have all the technology sitting just over there on
> > > my desk.. [printer]
> > >
> > > Any news to share?
> > >
> > > Thanks guys
> > >
> > > Jarrett
> > >
> >
> > the one I've made is working very nice, the plaster and binder
> > is
> > not a problem anymore, I'm waiting for Roger to finish the

software.

> > the way it's, I can only print solid parts( no Hollow parts)so

I

> > can't tell how thin can a wall be, or the minimum feature that

can

> > be printed.
> > I did print a porsche model and it came out very nice with
> > mirrors and every thing.
> >
> > Fogassa.
>
> Excellent Fogassa! So is the software it's one suite that

controls the

> printer and all or? Have you given any thought to writing a

complete

> "How to" or selling some form of a kit etc??
> I'm very interested in this whole process!
>
> Thanks
>
> Jarrett
>

I had it on youtube but deleted, too many questions.
This is how it works;
Draw your parts with rhino then save it as .slc file, the software
that Roger wrote reads the .slc file then sends to the printer as a
bunch of bitmaps,(depends on how many slices you have).
Now the hardware, I'm using a lexmark z12, and a lot of extra
hardware to make the TRULY Affordable Personal 3d printer.I'm using
a atmel mic. as the brain. It moves the build and feeding bin
up/down,moves the printer forward and back and turns the spreading
roler( from a lexmark laser cartridge) on and off.there is 3 step
motor drives( one for the feeding bin one for the build chamber and
one to move the printer)
It's takes a lot of time to build it, if you don't want to spend
5 to 10K on the zcorp this is the way to go.
I had most of the parts from other projects so I did not bought
too many things but I think you can build it for about 500 bucks.
A heater on the build chamber is a good thing, as the parts tends
to fall a part when you remove from the building chamber.
It holds togheter really nice after you dry it on the oven for
about 30min. then just seal it with Cianocrylate and you'r done.
The parts Resolution depends on the powder you're using, dental
plaster works best.there is a magic binder that I mix with the
plaster to hold it togheter, and I'm using just water on the printer
cartridge.
there is another software that can do it, but it cost about 2400
bucks, So I have to wait :( till Roger finish the software.