3D print devices and services

[oort]

Fonte Boa,
Can't answer your question but my friend had one object printed at a local shop and he was able to smooth out rough edges with a very fine sandpaper. If I were to guess, I would bet that getting a final product with a smooth finish would cost more. It may depend on the materials used. Did you look at some of the objects that were shown by customers in the Shapeways forum?

I can't wait to see a picture of your first printed object and get the final word on all your research...

oort

[micheus]

I would hate to have a 3d object printed with a rough finish: which kind of 3d printer is able to make objects with a smooth finish?

Maybe using a high resolution one?! But you probably will must pay for this quality.

Take a look at these materials on Shapeway print service.

It seems that you need to find the 3D printer before find who can print something for you. Take a look at these links:
Which is the best 3D printer?
3D Printer Systems for Less Than US$20,000
3D Printers – Top 10 Best Desktop 3D Printers

[Fonte Boa]

Thanks again, Oort and Micheus: you are great!

Micheus, even in objects printed using 0,1mm height layers those lines use to appear. The instructions of Shapeways site about this mention this problem.

I've already mentioned at EDIT6 above about a 3d printer that use resin and a stereograph process. I was suspecting that would be the BEST 3d printer... So, Micheus, i've just found it at top of the list in the last link you posted!!!
Formlabs Form 1 is its name: http://formlabs.com/

I'll have to take a look at the characteristics of a piece printed in resin using that device and who print using it.

Anyway the video is impressive imo:

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Take a look about this process callde stereolithography:

http://formlabs.com/pages/our-printer
(at the botton of page)

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Oort, thanks, you had a nice idea: i'll take a look at shapeway forum to see some pieces printed.
About the sandpaper, i think this isnt a good idea for very detailed objects, no?! :\

[micheus]

Yeah, I saw that these resin machines have the best result, but if you think about print in colours, then they aren't so good.

Micheus, even in objects printed using 0,1mm height layers those lines use to appear. The instructions of Shapeways site about this mention this problem.

The Ceramic material seems do not have this problem, but of course it's not so resistant.

I found the Vimeo video in the Formlabs home page more "clear" about the process.
Did you noticed this comment in its Material specifications:
Long shelf life when not exposed to light

I don't think this can be good.

[Fonte Boa]

I've already noticed that formlab observation about light exposure... What would be the problem? Colour vanishing? I confess i didnt understood.
It seems that printer is just being pre-order: this isnt yet being delivered (just 2013 august)...

Let me ask a dumb question:
is it possible to paint these 3d printed objects?
I mean, not during the printing, but after done...

I've found the shapeways printed objects forum:
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php...&frm_id=91&

Almost all have a rough finish, unfortunatelly...

[micheus]

What would be the problem? Colour vanishing? I confess i didnt understood.

Degradation (check here). I believe that it can break easy with the time, like I already noticed with the fluorescent starters (the external piece breaks easy after a few years exposed to the light)

Let me ask a dumb question:
is it possible to paint these 3d printed objects?

By using acrylic paint. Take a look at this article: Resin Painting Techniques

Almost all have a rough finish, unfortunatelly...

By using paint the object appearance should looks better. Maybe, it could reduce the light issue too.

[oort]

Fonte Boa,
Yes, I guess sanding would not work well on a highly detailed 3d print. The one my friend had was not that detailed. He was lucky enough to get a free 3d print when he went to a local company for a demonstration.

Sounds like the status of 3d printing is not what it is made out to be in the press, as if it is the next best thing since sliced bread... much like the over praised electric car...

I wonder if you could coat the 3d print to smooth it out and then use the 3d print to produce a mold, which you could fill with a wider range of materials???

Mold Making materials in stores I do not work for the linked company it is just a store that is in the area...

oort

[Fonte Boa]

<< use the 3d print to produce a mold, which you could fill with a wider range of materials??? >>

great idea, Oort! use it to print a mold for casting!

[micheus]

I think this is the right place to put an useful article I found about preparing the model to be 3D printed: How to make a model for 3D printing.

[Ran13]

Some good tips and tricks for 3D printing:

http://bensimonds.com/2013/06/18/3d-prin...pider-bot/