3d printers

[alexworx]

Hi All,

My office is researching the possibility of getting a 3d printer. We where looking at this one.

http://store.makerbot.com/replicator-z18

Anyone have any experience with them? Pros /Cons, learning curve, software etc.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks
Alex

[Bruce Hart]

Hi Alex
a couple of years ago we bought an earlier version of a makerbot printer for about $3K for our Architectural office. Initially there was some excitement about how we were going to print out our building designs, but the reality of the technology limitations soon set in. As you may be aware these machines heat up some plastic extrusion and lay down sequential layer sections. That's all fine if you are printing out something organic like a bunny rabbit, however we found that with many architectural items there was an issue with warping of the layers due to parts of the model cooling down compared to others. Another issue is that this printing method requires the printing of support structures to hold up overhanging volumes. These need to be cut away with a scalpel after printing and can be fiddly and time consuming.

By far the worst issue (regardless of 3D printer model) is that most models need substantial amounts of work done on them to make them 3D printable. For example - thin building elements such as walls, ballustrades, louvres etc, need to be made substantially thicker so that they 3D print at scale. I can assure you this is very time consuming.

Our model of printer is a bit older/cheaper than the one you are thinking of, but it is currently sitting on a shelf gathering dust. Obviously the technology and print resolution of that printer is a lot more developed than ours, but I would suggest getting one on loan if possible and seeing if it does what you need.

[Morne]

The problem with the 3D printing boom is that everybody is going out and buying these things that are popping up all over the place. They are CONSUMER printers for PLAYING AROUND.

If you're looking for a pro printer, then it will cost you a lot more.
http://www.stratasys.com/3d-printers...ries/uprint-se

That new makerbot looks pretty sweet also.

[alexworx]

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for your insight. Very helpful. That's exactly what I do not want to happen. We would not be using it for architectural types of models more logos, trophies, center pieces stuff like that.
We are researching some right now and want to actually do some sample jobs on them, maybe we can rent or lease one before purchasing.

Thanks again.

Alex

[alexworx]

The problem with the 3D printing boom is that everybody is going out and buying these things that are popping up all over the place. They are CONSUMER printers for PLAYING AROUND.

If you're looking for a pro printer, then it will cost you a lot more.
http://www.stratasys.com/3d-printers...ries/uprint-se

That new makerbot looks pretty sweet also.

Thanks Morne. I will def check out the stratsys site.

Alex