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[Mr Skrunts]

Considered this since I first heard about it on TV, also looked into the CNC laser engravers/router machines.

I have no idea where to start, 1st thought about the engravers as a hobbie thing, then watched loads of videos on youtube with the CNC routers making various wooden plaques/boxes etc.  Now just been watching some 3D printing machines in action.

Had a look round and it seems we have a couple of 3D suppliers for printers and supplies, but they all stock and support differnt brands.

The laser engraver I thought about straight away as a mate of mine works for a company that makes silver frames  and other items that could be engraved which in turn mght earn a few quid and cover its own costs

The routher is probably more creative and more challengeing as it can be multi axis.

The 3D printer looks like fun and creative, but like a lot of hobbies could get very exspensive by adding a 3D scanner and then wanting bigger and faster printers, but the list of projects is endless.  I looked through a library of 3D items that was freely avalable, which things like custom cable clips, pen stands/holders, working model engineering items and 3D ornaments and puzzles.

So rather than start with asking for advice from people selling thier products I wonder if any OOF members had invested into any of the above equipment and could offer any recommendations or advice of what to go for or stay clear of.

TIA 

[Nick W]

I bought one back in the summer. For some reason I haven't used it yet, although I assembled it as soon as it arrived.


Two things occur to me:


They are very fiddly machines, being made from some poorly engineered components, and take a lot of setting up.


Most importantly, the printer isn't the important part of the system. That is the software you use to create the 3D model that you print. If you can't create your own models, then the printer is a very poor toy.  This is true for any Computer Aided Manufacturing(CAM). 3D CAD has a very steep learning curve no matter which program you use. Download and try Fusion 360 which is very capable, free, and fairly straightforward to use. It should also output the necessary printer files without the need for another program, but I haven't tried that yet.


Here's an Omega headlight adjuster that took me about 5minutes:





That was modelled in aluminium, but it could be a suitable candidate for printing.

[Mr Skrunts]

Cheers for that. 

I know what you mean regards the software, thats looking to be £300+ for that, so trying a free package is a brlliant idea.

I would probably try some of the library items to get get to grips with getting a printer up and running.

Its just choosing what brand to go with . . .

[Lazydocker]

I bought one back in the summer. For some reason I haven't used it yet, although I assembled it as soon as it arrived.


Two things occur to me:


They are very fiddly machines, being made from some poorly engineered components, and take a lot of setting up.


Most importantly, the printer isn't the important part of the system. That is the software you use to create the 3D model that you print. If you can't create your own models, then the printer is a very poor toy.  This is true for any Computer Aided Manufacturing(CAM). 3D CAD has a very steep learning curve no matter which program you use. Download and try Fusion 360 which is very capable, free, and fairly straightforward to use. It should also output the necessary printer files without the need for another program, but I haven't tried that yet.


Here's an Omega headlight adjuster that took me about 5minutes:





That was modelled in aluminium, but it could be a suitable candidate for printing.

Have you tried printing adjusters yet? I reckon you could make a couple of quid

[Nick W]

I can't see it being viable, as hobby printers are very slow. I'd be more inclined to machine a simpler aluminium version without the rounded edges, and an inserted ball.


But even that is a waste of time because a cast resin adjuster using an inserted ball is already available for less than a tenner.

[biggriffin]

But even that is a waste of time because a cast resin adjuster using an inserted ball is already available for less than a tenner.

I will ask for others, put a linky up for the adjusters. I have alloy ones

[Nick W]

But even that is a waste of time because a cast resin adjuster using an inserted ball is already available for less than a tenner.

I will ask for others, put a linky up for the adjusters. I have alloy ones

I'm told the aluminium ones are NLA, so try these:  [size=78%]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Opel-Vauxhall-Omega-B-Headlight-Adjuster-Life-Time-Warranty-Hella-/281256289565?hash=item417c2e651d:g:M1EAAOSwv0tVE70j[/size]


These are clearly cast in a mould taken from an original, and cleaned up a bit. Which is probably the most sensible way of actually making a profit on this sort of part. They aren't as well finished, but do seem to be effective.

[tigers_gonads]

Anybody 3D scanned the front tow eye cover off an Omega yet 

[STEMO]

I bought one back in the summer. For some reason I haven't used it yet, although I assembled it as soon as it arrived.


Two things occur to me:


They are very fiddly machines, being made from some poorly engineered components, and take a lot of setting up.


Most importantly, the printer isn't the important part of the system. That is the software you use to create the 3D model that you print. If you can't create your own models, then the printer is a very poor toy.  This is true for any Computer Aided Manufacturing(CAM). 3D CAD has a very steep learning curve no matter which program you use. Download and try Fusion 360 which is very capable, free, and fairly straightforward to use. It should also output the necessary printer files without the need for another program, but I haven't tried that yet.


Here's an Omega headlight adjuster that took me about 5minutes:





That was modelled in aluminium, but it could be a suitable candidate for printing.

I'm impressed.

[Mr.OmegaMan]

Anybody 3D scanned the front tow eye cover off an Omega yet 

They would come in handy seen as how many MV6 bumpers are missing them..

[Mr Skrunts]

Excuse the presenter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVU4FLrsPXs

Some interesting ideas

[Nick W]

Anybody 3D scanned the front tow eye cover off an Omega yet 

Not a scan, but this a rough model of the cover from my car.





I don't know what an MV6 one looks like

[Lazydocker]

Anybody 3D scanned the front tow eye cover off an Omega yet 

Not a scan, but this a rough model of the cover from my car.





I don't know what an MV6 one looks like

Rocking Horse Poo

[TheBoy]

I can't see it being viable, as hobby printers are very slow. I'd be more inclined to machine a simpler aluminium version without the rounded edges, and an inserted ball.


But even that is a waste of time because a cast resin adjuster using an inserted ball is already available for less than a tenner.

Also, even ignoring speed, current 3D printers aren't really suited to mass production due to printing costs.

At the moment, their primary use would be prototyping before getting an item mass produced.

[tigers_gonads]

Anybody 3D scanned the front tow eye cover off an Omega yet 

Not a scan, but this a rough model of the cover from my car.





I don't know what an MV6 one looks like

Rocking Horse Poo

I've got one