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Westport, IN | I think as of now, if it can easily be machined out of plastic or aluminium, that will be cheapest. While printing is really cool and growing rapidly, it still isn't cheap. I know plastic laser powder buildup (I can't remember the proper name) is/was a much cheaper option.
So far I have only saw a few items that was 3D printed. Most neat items I have saw are what salesmen show potential customers. (A complete adjustable wrench, roller chain, piston for an engine. While neat for a sales tool, impractical in real life). We did have some check valves for a pressure washer type pump that was 3D printed. We were trying a new design of valve to improve valve life. Couldn't afford to have dies made for injection molding.
So go which ever direction you would like. If you find someone with 3D printing, and they are easy to work with you might share on here. I think in the near future this technology will be huge. | |
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Anyone doing 3D printing of small aluminum or plastic?
