Cheap and Easy 3D "Prototyping"

[Cary L. Brown]

I just ran across a new service... this isn't a new technology, but rather a somewhat different business model for an existing one. For those of us who are making models in 3D software and would like to turn these into physical models, this may be a good way to go.

The supposed price for a typical model will range between $50 and $150. Of course, larger is more expensive, and I'm sure that there are drawbacks and issues to be dealt with.

The main appeal here is that this service provides the technology for making 3D "rapid protototypes" in a much more cost-effective fashion than what we've normally seen in the past.

http://www.shapeways.com/creator

 

[FalTorPan]

Thanks for the link! For what it's worth, I've had success working with PrintAPart.com.

 

[Clawhammer]

Cool! I might keep this in mind when I'm modeling my next ship. It would be kind of cool to have a really large model of it in my living room. I would probably need to cut it in 2 because there max print size seems to be around 49cm. I would like my model to be around 80cm. Probably a bit expensive, but one can always dream!

 

[Technobuilder]

Shapeways - 3D Priniting

Just caught this link over on Digg and apparently there's a company that can take standardized 3D formats and give you a model in less than 2 weeks.

http://gizmodo.com/5041836/shapeways-allows-you-to-materialize-any-3d-object-star-trek-style


I'm still not sure how detailed these would be, but apparently there are a variety of materials that can be used in the "replication" process.

Thought some people here would like to see it.

 

[saxarocks]

keep in mind the technique that this company is using is not the best way of making a finished model. the process uses layers of powder and glue instead of the more advanced methods which use melted plastic and metal. they are a lot sturdier and have a much nicer surface that can be sanded smooth.

so these printers are cool, but before you use them you should see an example of what they look like. keep in mind they are rapid prototyping machines, not rapid manufacturing machines.

they are awesome, and i am obsessed.

 

[Cary L. Brown]

Re: Shapeways - 3D Priniting

Just caught this link over on Digg and apparently there's a company that can take standardized 3D formats and give you a model in less than 2 weeks.

http://gizmodo.com/5041836/shapeways-allows-you-to-materialize-any-3d-object-star-trek-style


I'm still not sure how detailed these would be, but apparently there are a variety of materials that can be used in the "replication" process.

Thought some people here would like to see it.

Well, to be fair, the world is FULL of places that run "rapid prototyping" services. I have access to a local shop where I can get solid models turned around in about two days. But it's VERY pricey to do that.

The main reason I posted this wasn't that it's going to make for the best-quality physical model you can get. Rather, it's relatively LOW COST... which is a rarity in the rapid-prototyping field.

If we want to start a discussion about different prototyping techniques, I'd like to suggest a new thread for that... where the pro's and cons of each technique can be discussed. Let's keep THIS one for discussing low-cost sources. Make sense?