3d printing

[alga]

Yesterday, two online videos blew my mind. First, a TED talk about state of affairs in the field of 3d printing:

http://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_harouni_a_primer_on_3d_printing.html

Second, open source, self-replicating, affordable DIY 3d printers, here and now!

http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

This is definitely the future of engineering/manufacturing, and very relevant to us as makers/tinkerers/engineers. One could build a working machine like this for as little as 200 quid!

There's not much parts in the roadster we could use a fused-filament 3d printing for (perhaps brake pipe clips, etc.), but how cool it would be to have an intricate gear knob you have designed and printed yourself!

[alga]

So, I've built it. Here's a video of the first prints:
http://youtu.be/lcNJtF4_4K4

And here's a gear knob and gaiter bezel I've printed:
http://locost.lt/pic/780

[MikeB]

good work, looks an amazing little project!
How long did it take you to build yours and how much £?

[alga]

Apart from sourcing all the parts, I'd say it took one weekend's worth of time. But my project was drawn out into 3 weeks or so, as I got the printed plastic parts first, bought the hardware locally, and then had to wait for the motors, electronics, etc. to arrive from UK (bought on ebay). Altogether it was about £320.

[Eternal]

Here is my one. Kinda hard to see in the corner. Its a MendelMax v1.5 :D

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407633_10151470754099619_1706514160_n.jpg