3D printing

[Dave Vigness]

I want to make some accessories for my laser. Looking for any members in the Kansas City, Omaha, or Des Monies area that does 3D printing.

[Tim Mellor]

Just buy your 'first' one it won't hurt much Good Introductory weapon in the Ender Pro with a Glass Bed 1-2 hours from the box for your first print and about $250USD delivered.

If no one surfaces here and depending on what you need done your other alternate is use a paid service 3D Hubs is one option and this Google search got some hits in your area https://www.google.com/search?q=Kansas+ ... e&ie=UTF-8

[Dave Vigness]

Very into the laser right now, so I'm not too keen on expanding out to the 3D for just one or two projects. Would probably just confuse what's left of my mind after figuring out my China Red.

Will keep it in mind. They are 'What if' kind of projects for now. I have a bunch of stepper motors left over from some other equipment, was hoping to maybe to some bartering.

[Tim Mellor]

It depends on how and for what you are using your Laser for I guess. Mine does mainly bits for Electronics and tooling of all sorts and I have been more and more integrating it with bits of 3D printing. There are things Lasers kick the butt of 3D printing for like for large slabs and sheets and for more complex parts while you can sometimes split them for the Laser 3D printing makes more sense. Large slabs are painfully slow to print BTW.

Yesterdays completed hybrid project a Router Circle Jig. Two layers of 3.0mm Acrylic glued together and a 3D printed button to hold the pivot pin which also forms the lock mechanism. The button could have been Laser cut and glued but print time was 20 minutes while I fired up the Laser to cut the other bits. I have a larger CNC Router to get online but even with that option for routing the slot the Laser would still be the tool of choice.

If the Laser is doing commercial Cutting and Engraving work then stick at it and buy a little 3D printing time if you need it.

[Dave Vigness]

Not in a huge hurry. Found out one of the guys i see on the job site occasionally is in love with his 3D printer. He will print up a part, sand cast it, then pour the hot metal to make the actual part. I'm hoping my little projects peak his interest.

[Tim Mellor]

Much as you have probably found him for others interested in lost PLA casting https://www.youtube.com/user/myfordboy is well worth a look for a method that works with reasonable levels of gear