Quote:
Originally Posted by msjboy
Not sure if 3Dprinters will ever be as mainstream as bubblejet printers simply because the majority of people don't have the spatial skills to do 3D /CAD modeling to begin with. Ask any joe to do a variable filet or a hyperbolic surface and they'll be stumped. They will be left to print out or do simple modifications to 3df files but that is probably about it. I think only the hobbyist/geeks, tool-die, industrial designers, model makers, CAD/engineers/architects will be the buyers of these devices.
One should be proud Vancouver was the pioneer of 3D printers ( stereolithography) with the VSE company 3D systems back in the mid 80's which still exists today. I had a chance to do a model with their technology but that stuff was totally toxic and would warp under its own weight on larger pieces. However, come 25 years later, I am not sure if the supposed ABS plastic will have the same engineering characteristics for a proper injection moulded grade ABS plastic ( eg. higher thermal, flex etc ). Also, ribs on the layers leaves much to be dersired. On the bright side,
3D printer technology will supposedly be used to built cheap houses for 3D world countries ( use foam/cement like material) and supposedly types of food....
msjboy 
Go to news.com and read more if those are interested... use" 3D printers" as keyword. |
I think the aim is to one day have a repository (or store?) of downloadable objects that can be printed with little effort by the lay user. If we want to get really futuristic for a moment, a person could theoretically go to the Apple website, pay them for their new iPad, then print it at home and have it within a few minutes, effectively cutting out the whole shipping/freight industry. We are a long ways off from this but the hope is to eventually move towards Star Trek replicator like technology.
But I agree, for at least the next few years it will be limited to us geeks. Then again, I was able to teach my friend's 10 year old kid how to design parts in SketchUp and print an object in less than an hour. This is the generation that will be using this tech the most, so I have few doubts they could manage it (considering how tech and computer savvy they are).
In terms of materials, it's come a long way. The SLA materials are getting very close to the real thing, but they do still have some issues. When I design my parts I use those material properties rather than expecting ABS-like performance and the parts work awesome. I think I've only ever broken 1 part from the SLA, and I beat the crap out of my parts. My FDM is even better in that I can actually print with ABS and PLA (PLA is very non-toxic and is a dream to print with).
The whole ridges issue is going away as well. My printer does 20 um layers, so unless the light catches the ridges at a particular angle, you don't see or even feel them. There are some printing methods where you get zero ridges (they can even print smooth glass). Take a look at what Shapeways can do. Very impressive. You're right. It's still not yet there but it's moving forward quickly.