3D printer, Tell me why I need one

[tarbellb]

The real question is not about the printer, but if you can create the files that you want to print.

Its just like most tools/process, the process leading to hitting "print" is the hard part.

Question: do you know how to create 3D files? Are you familiar with any programs that can?

The learning curve is definitely getting easier, but there is still a lot to learn to use the programming effectively. Add in the physical components to a good print ie wall thickness, bridging, tabs, etc... and it gets even trickier.

Downloading pre made files from the internet is not very useful as you can imagine, but slightly entertaining.

Good luck, lots of decent options for <$1000. But research the plastic types used and resolutions.

 

[Citation]

What do people around here use to create their files? I've been using SW because I happen to have a access to a site license. I'm not sure how much longer that will last so I was wondering if people had a suggestion for something open source/freeware. I've only briefly looked at stuff in the past but never put any effort into finding a SW replacement. This is pure hobby so I just can't justify buying a seat for $1k+ per year.

 

[noid]

I have a flash forge creator pro.

A 3D printer is one of those things where you dont know what you'll use it for until you have it. I have used it for everything from fixing my fridge (brackets), to prototyping (especially before making it from steel), to custom computer hardware.

My recommendation is to only buy one if you plan on learning a CAD program.

I recommend design spark mechanical, its free, and very intuitive. Thereafter you can move up to the parent program Spaceclaim; the transition will be seamless as DSM is a dumbed down version of Spaceclaim.

Avoid learning any of the "basic" 3D printing specific design programs.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

The appeal of 3D printing is the ability to imagine what you want and it magically appears on the print bed. I have two now, both a standard type and a delta version. There are a lot of free models online to download and try out (thingiverse.com for example), but the real advantage is being able to make your own designs come to life. I have friends that just want to print fidget spinners, or half melted Darth Vader helmets, but I wanted it to be practical.

I went to Tinkercad.com to do some simple design and quickly whipped out some brackets I needed for a project. I have made templates, alignment jigs, brackets, etc. I have made things to hold a dial gauge where I wanted it on a set of mounting rails. There wasn't anything commercially available, so I just made my own design. It's easy and simple to do. It's very much for fabricators that can imagine what they want to do- Let's position a bracket to hold a contact switch in a certain position. Okay, that's a quick and easy thing to do. Set up the model to print with about 25% infill, 3-4 solid layers top and bottom, maybe 2 shells for the exterior and away you go.

It is another tool hobby to get into. I enjoy my printers and do not hesitate to fabricate bits and pieces that I need or want. Sharing your designs with others helps everyone.

And here in this very thread, the idea of socket holders intrigues me. Yes, that is very doable. I could easily make something that is custom to my particular installation without any real effort. Darn, now I have to design and print some socket holders.

 

[Bad Mojo]

I have a flash forge creator pro.

A 3D printer is one of those things where you dont know what you'll use it for until you have it. I have used it for everything from fixing my fridge (brackets), to prototyping (especially before making it from steel), to custom computer hardware.

My recommendation is to only buy one if you plan on learning a CAD program.

I recommend design spark mechanical, its free, and very intuitive. Thereafter you can move up to the parent program Spaceclaim; the transition will be seamless as DSM is a dumbed down version of Spaceclaim.

Avoid learning any of the "basic" 3D printing specific design programs.

I think this is a great summary of the issue. I have used 3D printers in both school and work and sometimes they are the quickest way of getting a functional part. I think they are a great way to test a part for fit before spending the time and money on making a part on a lathe or mill. Additionally, the ability to make complex forms without huge amounts of other tools is pretty incredible. Lastly, the machines can run through the night. It is nice to wake up to freshly printed parts.

I would buy a printer without hesitation.