Thread: 3D printer
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Old 04-21-2016, 04:55 PM   #11 (permalink)
RustyLugNut
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I've worked with 3D printers since the 90s.

The light sensitive epoxy allowed rapid laser printing and fine detail. The objects were not used directly but provided the "master model" for soft molding techniques ( urethane rubber or silicon were largely used ).

I have looked at the current crop of "hobby level" 3D printers and they have come a long way. Even though the model volume is quite small, the resolution is workable. Speed is an issue. But the price has dropped to near that of a mid line refrigerator. PLA and ABS materials are useful for low stress objects and if more strength is needed, simply soft cast a mold from your object and you can use poured resins such as polyester, epoxy or even low temperature casting metals ( zinc/silver alloys ). Depending on the geometry of your object, you may be able to set and compress reinforcing fibers into your mold and vacuum inject your matrix resins.


In the outside chance you need several hundred count of your object, you can mold it in an epoxy/metal material and send it to an injection molding shop with a wide range of industry plastics at your disposal.

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