Re: Mendel Reprap 3D Printer ?

Craig,

I have used a lot of small 3D printed parts as master patterns for both RTV and Vulcanized silicone rubber mold making. Buying or making a 3D printer is something I considered but decided against doing. I decided that it made more sense to have a service provider print the parts since one can buy a lot of printed parts for the cost of a 3D printer. Not as much fun to be sure but I am interesterd in parts more than the process.

My printed patterns require fairly high resolution, dimensional accuracy and reasonably good surface finish. I couldn't find this in home built 3D printers and buying a quality 3D printer was financially beyound my wildest dreams.

Having worked with a couple of service providers I also feel that there is a learning curve to getting the most from the machines. The service providers usually do a great job.

I was on a very limited budget when I started and found that it was better to put my money into solid modeling software and CAM software which has proved more useful since I was able to afford better software. Now I have cnc capabilities AND get parts/patterns printed.

Much depends on your needs and desires.

Jack

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Craig Carmichael <craig@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm thinking of getting a 3D printer. (virtually about to order one.)
> Seems like a much better idea than injection molding ABS parts for my
> new chemistry Mn-Mn 'somewhat alkaline' batteries and LED house
> lighting fixtures... you can make a few instead of having to do
> thousands.
>
> The open source 3D printer stuff looks really exciting.
>
> I'm looking at the Mendel Reprap from http://reprappro.com/Mendel .
> Under 1000$.
>
> Seems the 3D modelling & G-code software is free and written in
> Python, which means if you need to you could tweak it to do what you
> want.
>
> Anybody used such things or got any special advice?
>
> Thanks,
> Craig
> Victoria BC
> http://www.TurquoiseEnergy.com/
>