3D Printers?

[Quornholio]

Hi folks,

Just after a bit of advice really. I know some folk have experience of them (NE?) and just curious about a few things.

I've had an idea for a 'product'. However, I'm wondering what sort of software is used to create the items to be made (I'm assuming it's some sort of CAD software). Can anyone offer advice on their experience, running costs etc.

Cheers.
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[nowhere.elysium]

Any 3d cad software should do it. I found autodesk inventor to be pretty easy, but I settled on openscad because I get along well with it. Running costs depend on the printer type.
What sort of thing do you want to know, specifically? I only really know about fdm printers in detail, but there are now sla printers on the consumer market, and it wouldnt surprise me if sls becomes available in the next year or so.
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[Quornholio]

It's a product that will be used outdoors, so are there different types of plastic that can be used etc?

Did your printer come with any software bundled in or such? What make/model was your printer?

I'll probably have more questions, but those will do for now if possible
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[Aff]

Materials depends on what process you go for. What is your specific application?

Most software and firmware is Opensource. If you dont go for a DIYer and get a more pricey one, you will probably get some polished version of the opensource.

Printer is usually run with an Arduino, code is available online.
I used to use Skeinforge to convert the STL models into GCODE.
I used Printrun as the GUI for the printer.
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[Quornholio]

Talk to me like I'm simple, Aff.

What do you mean, 'application'? Do you mean the end product?
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[nowhere.elysium]

The two main fdm materials that are used are PLA and ABS. ABS is more photostable over time, and isn't biodegradeable, so it'd probably be better for an outdoors-based prototype.

I downloaded a modified firmware for my printer; I used the RepRap-specific version of the Marlin software, and had to modify it since. My 3D printer model is the RepRap Huxley, which requires building from scratch. The driving software I use is Pronterface and Slic3r - while I've tried the software that Aff uses, I had less success with it.

If you're after something that's pretty well ready to go OOTB, then I'd advise looking at MakerBots. I've got six at work, and they're pretty good, although the recommended settings aren't all that accurate in my experience. They're not spectacularly cheap, but they are well-constructed, and work nicely as a finished product.
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[Quornholio]

Makerbot

I don't mind putting stuff together, where did you get the Reprap from if you don't mind me asking?

Failing that, if I can knock something together using a CAD prog, and send it over, would you be able to give me a rough idea of the sort of cost I would be looking at?

Cheers.
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[Aff]

What is it you're trying to make? Why are you looking to 3D print it?
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[Quornholio]

I think a 3D printer is the most viable way to do it.

I used a plastic moulding thing (heat it over a wooden mould), but it was about 15 years ago, and I don't know if it runs off household voltage or whether I can use durable enough plastic.
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[nowhere.elysium]

If I were to buy a new 3D printer kit at this point, I'd be looking at this one. It's fromt he site where I bought the Huxley, but it's a bit larger, has a waterjet cut aluminium chassis and should be a bit more rigid/robust as a result.

Be aware that if you want to print ABS, you really need to have an enclosed print area; ABS needs a fairly consistent temperature which is hard to maintain on an open chassis.
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