A very affordable 3d printer
41 - 60 of 80 Posts
Joined
·
3,246 Posts
Just got off the phone with the receptionist at Folger Tech, seems everyone else had gone for the day. Anyway, she gave me the secret email address of: [email protected] to vioce my questions. Apparently it was an oversight on their contacts page? She's new, and wasn't sure, but agreed that it was odd their wasn't any sales email address. So thar ya go.
However, for your emails to be forwarded to the actual technical people, it DOES cost another $99. So add that cost to their (very inexpensive) printers. Smaller build volume than the HICTEC I linked on earlier a couple times. But, she confirmed that the kits are all put together in the US, and that it's a US-based company. They sell the individual parts online, which is a plus.
Cliff
However, for your emails to be forwarded to the actual technical people, it DOES cost another $99. So add that cost to their (very inexpensive) printers. Smaller build volume than the HICTEC I linked on earlier a couple times. But, she confirmed that the kits are all put together in the US, and that it's a US-based company. They sell the individual parts online, which is a plus.
Cliff
Joined
·
20,869 Posts
it does not melt, that is a uv cured resin printer.
Joined
·
6,042 Posts
Hmmm I've got some California Water Bonds somewhere.... it's finding glassine window envelopes that is the tricky part! and where did I put them?
Joined
·
19 Posts
There is a cheaper laser sla machine from Da Vinci also, I think it is around a thousand, havent heard many reviews on it. So far I will stick with my ABS Printer for 500 with the heated bed. If I keep in 3D printing for a couple more years my next printer will be either sla or sls, but at this point the level of detail is just not worth the upgrade in cost at this point.
Joined
·
1,078 Posts
The Form-2 3D printer Dirk alludes uses a focused UV projector with mirrors commonly referred to as a spatial coherent laser and or ultraviolet laser. 3D Systems pioneered stereo lithography and UV resin cured technology many years ago. The dental lab market used the early machines with great fervor.
FWIW: there is GRAND difference in resolution as compared to FDM printers. As compared to FDM machines with multiple moving axis, only the work platform or Z axis moves up or down when printing. X and Y axis is executed by the projected/focused UV curing light. A layer of polymer (resin) is drawn over the work platform and screeded off, the UV light projects a pattern onto the "layer' of polymer and cures same rapidly one layer at a time.
I own a 3D System 3D Printer together with an ancillary post system curing oven. Its about nine years old now, I bought it used and the results are exemplary compared to every FDM print I have seen to date.
Michael
FWIW: there is GRAND difference in resolution as compared to FDM printers. As compared to FDM machines with multiple moving axis, only the work platform or Z axis moves up or down when printing. X and Y axis is executed by the projected/focused UV curing light. A layer of polymer (resin) is drawn over the work platform and screeded off, the UV light projects a pattern onto the "layer' of polymer and cures same rapidly one layer at a time.
I own a 3D System 3D Printer together with an ancillary post system curing oven. Its about nine years old now, I bought it used and the results are exemplary compared to every FDM print I have seen to date.
Michael
Joined
·
3,246 Posts
Here's another desktop SLA printer, from the company that makes the daVinci printers, for about $1,300:
http://www.amazon.com/XYZprinting-N...F8&qid=1451567758&sr=1-33&keywords=3d+printer
Build volume is on the small side, but it would be great for small detail parts.
http://www.amazon.com/XYZprinting-N...F8&qid=1451567758&sr=1-33&keywords=3d+printer
Build volume is on the small side, but it would be great for small detail parts.
Joined
·
3,246 Posts
After quite a bit of comparisons, I decided to get the HIC printer, via Amazon. I ordered on Saturday, and I just received it (on Monday).
Here's a couple of pics of what's in the box.
![]()
![]()
Some parts are 3d printed, but none were broken, and seemed pretty sturdy. There are cast rails & fittings, stamped sheet metal brackets, machined bits, laser-cut bits, and lots of off-the-shelf bits. And a big bag of fasteners.
Haven't seen instructions yet, but I haven't pulled everything out. I'd heard that it takes a couple days at least to figure out how the thing goes together. I'm hoping to get some further on line documentation, or maybe you-tube help.
I need to complete a model project before diving further into this, but I'll post more when I do.
Cliff
Here's a couple of pics of what's in the box.
Some parts are 3d printed, but none were broken, and seemed pretty sturdy. There are cast rails & fittings, stamped sheet metal brackets, machined bits, laser-cut bits, and lots of off-the-shelf bits. And a big bag of fasteners.
Haven't seen instructions yet, but I haven't pulled everything out. I'd heard that it takes a couple days at least to figure out how the thing goes together. I'm hoping to get some further on line documentation, or maybe you-tube help.
I need to complete a model project before diving further into this, but I'll post more when I do.
Cliff
Attachments
Joined
·
2,007 Posts
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...RID=9AHHX33MYQ1B87950V63&ref_=pd_lutyp_im_1_8
Found this on amazon. The specs are comparable to the Form 1 but the cost is half.
Found this on amazon. The specs are comparable to the Form 1 but the cost is half.
Joined
·
19 Posts
I am currently finishing up two completely printed G scale locos. I would see no reason that you couldn't print a lead truck, I have completely printed two frames for two tenders as well as a frame for a diesel loco also. As long as you include enough supports in the fill of the material when you print, it would be fine. The only thing I have noticed while printing is that is that the material is not as strong in thinner thickness as cast or injection molded plastic, if you have thin parts in the original you may have to redesign that section to have a thicker cross section.
WCRR152
WCRR152
Joined
·
6,042 Posts
Well.... Have you printed out your new and improved printer yet?
John
John
Joined
·
3,246 Posts
John, it's gonna be awhile, I need to get through another project (a flanger build) first. But at least the printer decision is in the bag, and the kit is paid for.
Richard, that pic didn't come thru from what I see. Can you re-post that?
Richard, that pic didn't come thru from what I see. Can you re-post that?
41 - 60 of 80 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!