3D Scanning and Printing

[Theobshop]

Recently Luke did a video on the Structure scanner which was quite good! I wanted to extend my knowledge of the industry of 3D Printing and scanning to everyone here on the LTT forums to see if I can answer some more complex questions.  The Structure is a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in getting into 3D Scanning as it is affordable and damn good for its price point.  Invest in some good lighting and even a turntable and you are off to the races.  Once you have some files you can partner with companies like mine that can provide the printing for you without the massive expense you would have if you bought a full color machine. 

 

For background I own a small full color 3D printing company near Tampa, FL that specializes in people, among other things..  Been watching LTT for many years now and got really giddy when LG sent Linus a 3D version of himself (then was consequently disappointed by the quality.. but I may be a bit biased).  Once Luke did the video of the Structure, I knew I had to join and see if I could offer any help to inquisitive minds out there!  I am here to basically answer any questions you may have about the consumer or industrial side of 3D printing and 3D scanning.  We have over 200K worth of full color 3D printers and know them better than I may know myself!  So please, ask me anything you have about the industry, from firearms to porn stars, from machines to experiences, I am here as a resource and am happy to help where I can!

 

[Litargirio]

What materials can 3D printers print things out of? How and in what form are these raw materials stored within the printer?

[spwath]

What Is the weirdest thing you have printed

[Theobshop]

What materials can 3D printers print things out of? How and in what form are these raw materials stored within the printer?

 

Machines out in the wild can print in anything from plastic filament (hobby grade printers) all the way up to ti64 medical grade titanium (Using a FREAKING LASER to melt layers of the powder together).  

 

Some of the most popular technologies are:

 

FDM: Fused Deposition Modeling - hobby grade printers, like a hot glue gun attached to a motorized etch-a-sketch with a z axis

 

SLS: Selective Laser Sintering - using nylon powder (generally) to create models.  Laser used to melt layers of the powder together

 

DMLS: Direct Metal Laser Sintering -  metal version of SLS

 

ExOne: developed by the ExOne company, it uses a binding agent to solidify layers of metal powder which are then baked and infused with a metal like bronse for a decently strong part.

 

Polyjet:  TONS of small jet-based print heads that can make extremely fine detail (down to 16microns) and even print in a few colors and multi-deurometer (spelling?) rubber parts (Stratasys 500 Connex 3)

 

CJM: Color Jet Modeling.  The process that I use in shop.  Using HP inkjet heads (c4810a) it lays down layers of colored binder to solidify a gypsum based powder layer by layer.  This is the most popular for full color printing.

 

SLA:  Stereolithography - arguably the first 3D printing technology, developed in the early 1980's, uses a laser to cure a vat of photo resin.  Extremely detailed, down to 25 microns.  

 

 

 

Some printers have hoppers, like mine, that hold the raw material.  Consumer grade machines have spools that are either internal or external.  All depends on the process. 

[Theobshop]

What Is the weirdest thing you have printed

 

Hmm that would have to be the sonogram image or the Putin butt plugs...... Really tough choice! 

[Litargirio]

What kind of items are 3D printed most commonly?

[Theobshop]

What kind of items are 3D printed most commonly?

For me, we print people all the time, I have over 50 people sitting in the office in some stage of post production.

 

For most users, I dont know really... It all depends on your field I guess. Recently at home I have been making quadcopter parts ha ha! That and parts for a client's Dodge Hellcat because Dodge didnt produce the part they needed.