Feedback Needed - 3D Printers - Any Interest?

[Nifty]

I've been fascinated by 3D Printers since they first came on the scene. There are even a few threads mixed in the forum about them.

A friend of mine just got a 3D printer kit and is super excited about putting it together. He knew I was passionate about printers and thought there would be a lot of discussion about them on my "printer site".

This got me to thinking, so I thought it would be good to include y'all in the process with a few questions:

1. Are you interested in learning more about 3D printers?
   
2. Do any of you have experience with 3D printers?
3. What do you think about eventually adding a 3D printer section for discussions about them here on PrinterKnowledge?

In general I don't like to start new sections without there already being some threads active on the topic, so I thought I'd see if y'all had any feelings about where the tech is and where it is going?

 

[The Hat]

OK Rob, here’s what I think.
On 1 and 2, I can say no and no again.

On 3…

What has 3D printers got in common with Inkjet or laser printers, from what I can see absolutely nothing at all.

They produce an object not an image that is neither greyscale nor colour, they don’t use ink nor paper and are hugely expensive to buy and run so where does that leave them.

I reckon they would be more at home on a modelling forum rather than an inkjet printer site but I love them as much as I do 3D TV.

My 2 cent worth, now I’ll go voluntary to my room…

You did ask..

 

[l0l0pr]

I will refill them with recycled water bottles (after melting & dying them using maybe solvent inks) and then use it to make copies of all my Epson printers!

 

[Tigerman]

I am CAD man that will be very valuable for me Nifty ...

 

[Nifty]

What has 3D printers got in common with Inkjet or laser printers, from what I can see absolutely nothing at all.

Thanks The Hat, I definitely value all opinions and thoughts!

Actually they have quite a lot in common! In fact, the first 3D printers that have been used for printing human tissue/organs were inkjet printers that had two basic modifications:

1. Cartridges were refilled with a different solution
2. An extra axis was added, so instead of just X & Y (two horizontal axis) another (Z) was added for vertical

Based on the people demographics of this site, I bet there are a lot of people visiting that are currently interested or eventually will become interested in 3D printers... but that's just my guess, hence the impetus for this thread.

 

[stratman]

I would print another The Hat so he could argue with himself.

 

[The Hat]

I would print another The Hat so he could argue with himself.

You’d break the friggin printer altogether trying to do that..

@Nifty if you get any positive reactions then you might even convert me over..

 

[Roy Sletcher]

Well I notice that Photoshop now includes a provision for 3D Print drivers and utilities.

Can't say I am much interested at the moment, but nothing is forever.

RS

 

[turbguy]

When they can print a durable automotive crankshaft instead of plastic do-dads and trinkets, let me know....

 

[Nifty]

They can do that and much MUCH more... you just gotta have lots of $$$

How about a rocket propulsion system?
http://www.cnet.com/news/spacex-to-build-spacecraft-parts-with-motion-tech-and-3d-printers/