Date:         Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:28:11 +0000
Reply-To:     dlwilhite@COMCAST.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Wilhite <dlwilhite@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Print your parts
In-Reply-To:  <2117129233.298850.1282364732165.JavaMail.root@sz0053a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
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This technology is improving quickly to the point that some of the newer 3D printing machine actually print spare parts for themselves. The quality of the plastic has also improved to the point of being able to be used for actual parts and not just models. Some units can print different colors and different types of plastic.


The process is also used for steel. The printer lays metal particles and a laser sinters it, layer by layer. The finished part has the qualities of a forged piece of metal, much stronger than cast. It is still more expensive than regular machining, but due to the intricate shapes and speed it is sometimes cheaper when it is needed "now". These are starting to show up in components for plastic injection molds.


Star Trek ideas in the house is not too far off for some of the items. Basically, you'll have a 3D printer in the house that'll print whatever you need. Got friends coming over and need some extra dishes, just print off what you need. When you're finished, you'll put them in the grinder and recycle the material for next time. People may even make money by having a service that provides the materials in powder form and recycles the material for you. It'd be the untimate "green" thing, except for the amount of energy that will be consumed. No reason for stuff to go to the landfill anymore...


You'll use your computer to purchase Apps for whatever items you need to print, so people will still be able to make money by designing things.


It'll start at the stores (think of Home Depot, Lowes and all the plastic electrical boxes and such that they carry - no more inventory - create only when needed at the point needed -Lean Methodologies), and slowly trickle down to the homes.


These units will be as common as a microwave and we'll wonder how anybody actually made anything in the "old" days.


David Wilhite
84' Westy
Middle TN






> Only if the machine can print steel, ceramic along with hundreds of
> other materials. This machine does none of this - it makes parts out of
> PVC that maybe can be used as a pattern for the real thing or maybe not.
>