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[tonywolf]

I am about to start my fifth model yacht, so I guess that I am not quite still a newbie, However having accepted that I am now addicted to this pastime I am beginning to think that I need to expand my workshop, I have become aware of sub Australian $1000.00 3D printers and as I have used CAD in a past life the thought of being able to build small parts is appealing
Does any one out there have any thoughts or experience with recent 3D printers? Oh yes and I heard the other day " that he who dies with the most toys wins!"

[Martin (Admin)]

3D printing is still in its 1st generation, no matter what the exponents may say!
 Some of the plastics used are not very.... robust! 

Extreme example: https://youtu.be/yf7VVtywgVw

[essex2visuvesi]

I have a Makerbot clone and have had mixed results.


Here you can see our trials and tribulations
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,52056.msg533945.html#msg533945

[TailUK]

3D printing is still in its 1st generation, no matter what the exponents may say!
 Some of the plastics used are not very.... robust! 

Extreme example: https://youtu.be/yf7VVtywgVw

I'd agree with Martin.  3D printing is a technology struggling to keep up with it's publicity.  As a model maker I'd say that a good laser cutter would be a better buy at the moment.

[carlmt]

Our experience with 3D printing for small parts has been 'interesting'.
 
No home available printers that I have yet seen can produce the quality and fine resolution of the fittings we at Linkspan Models require in our 1/96 scale kits.  However, there are commercial providers that CAN produce the parts to the required quality because they can afford the very expensive machines that are capable of it.  Unfortunately, this quality comes at a price!
 
We use Shapeways in Holland - an American company, but they have a facility in Holland to service European customers.
 
 

[david48]

I came across a 3D printer made by Dremal the other day ,any one any experience .
David

[TailUK]

From the reviews I've seen and a very short demo it seems that the main advantage of Dremel's machine is that it's said to be easier to use than most of the "desk-top" printers I've seen.  It still has the disadvantages that are common to all filament printers;  quite a high failure rate on complex pieces, lack of resolution and limited choice of materials.
The quantum leap in 3d printing tech seems too have arrived but it's very new and probably won't be available at the hobby level for several years because of cost.  To borrow a phrase used in on the videos it really could be the "game changer" that everyone has been waiting for.  Check out the videos on the following website, 
http://3dprint.com/51566/carbon3d-clip-3d-printing/

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

This is  the type of printer you want for high resolution parts.
It is a UV cure liquid resin that uses a laser to harden points to build up your model.
Almost to an affordable range for the home hobbiest, almost. 


Timelapse print of an Eiffel Tower Model
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTJq9Z5g4Jk


.


http://www.wired.com/2013/09/formlabs-form-1/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak4kgiSvgN8

[TailUK]

This is  the type of printer you want for high resolution parts.
It is a UV cure liquid resin that uses a laser to harden points to build up your model.
Almost to an affordable range for the home hobbiest, almost. 


Timelapse print of an Eiffel Tower Model
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTJq9Z5g4Jk


.


http://www.wired.com/2013/09/formlabs-form-1/

Same tech as I was talking about.  they call it CLIP (Continuous Liquid Interface Printing)  The machine making the Eiffel Tower doesn't use a laser but a UV projector which mean very few moving parts and hundreds of layers per millimetre as opposed to 10 or 12 with conventional printers.