Best way to start out in 3D printing? 1

[bmminc]

Hey all, i'm trying to find the best place to start. I'm just so overwhelmed with the whole thing.

Anyone got any tips for me?

Trying to learn all I can about 3d printing and unique designs. Basically thinking outside the box like these:

http://www.discoveryindemand.com/unique-designs/

 

[tbuelna]

Just exactly what do you intend to make with 3D printing? Is your application for a metal part, or a plastic part? Have you established the cost basis required for producing this part using 3D printing?

 

[ctopher]

You want to start with your own machine, or sending the models out to be printed?
If send out, most companies have directions or an engineer that can help you.

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
SolidWorks Legion

 

[rsm7400]

As tbuelna stated, what is your specific application or goals for 3d printing? There are some advantages to different types of machines. But there can be some big trade offs (with accuracy, layer height, speed, post processing, materials, etc) with cost. For instance I print in ABS plastic, my accuracy is .5mm, layer hight of .2mm, prints can take hours upon hours, and some post processing is necessary to clean up the edges. However I built the machine for under 1k.

________________________________
Ryan M
Quality Engineer
3d Printer Hobbyist

 

[bcsideshow]

I would stay away from 3D systems. We have spent 100K for a machine that is down half the time.

 

[ewh]

That's kind of like saying "Stay away from CAD systems, they crash the main frame" 40 years ago. ;-)

"Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively."
-Dalai Lama XIV

 

[ctopher]

3D Systems have had their issues, depending on the model.

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
SolidWorks Legion

 

[JNieman]

Clear goals need to be established before picking the method to achieve them.

_________________________________________
NX8.0, Solidworks 2014, AutoCAD, Enovia V5

 

[JoeColor]

To be fair, I work with a University that has many makes and models of 3D printers from consumer to metal. There's not a day that goes by that at least one service tech is on site. It's the nature of the beast it seems like. The only machine that is up 90% of the time just happens to be a 3D System's SLA machine.

 

[KENAT]

Maybe take a look at thread1536-347091

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[keepcoffe]

I think the following 3 tips are useful:
1.The materialslastic such as ABS\PC\nylon\ultem,metal such as stainless steel,Ti alloy,and composit materials;
2.The principle:FDM,SLS,use laser or use hot tip;
3.Different purposesart made for design,for function test,end-use part.

 

[jensenNY]

Oh, i'm a newbie in 3D printing too ) I found some information(

http://megadepot.com/resource/a-guide-to-3d-printing

) about it. This article is pretty informative.
So, what about this printer

http://megadepot.com/product/makerbot-mp05825-replicator-desktop-3d-printer-5th-generation#main

for my first experience phase?

 

[ornerynorsk]

We are on our 2nd Dimension machine in 11 or 12 years. Current machine is a Dimension BST 1200es (FDM, will only run ABS). Love it. Few issues, little down time. I will be staying with this category and manufacturer until Star Trek replicators become available, and then only if it will do London Broil and a good Scotch!

Like others have mentioned, you need to decide based on the material, the process, and the application of your finished parts.

It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.