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I bought a Dremel 3D printer. I can now print parts upto 6"x6"x6" in PLA. Not good for real mechanical parts which require strength. But it will be a good tool for prototyping. Or for minor brackets here and there. I've also used tinkercad.com to build some basic shapes for 3D printing.

Anyone here also have one? Maybe you have an STL file I can try to print?

My next printer will be a big one which can print 16" x 16" X 16" using ABS plastic. Mybe next year or the year after.

Way to go Z ! My mate bought one to make some parts for the car but ended up making a fortune ( small one ) printing toy soldiers for collectors . Just by chance he stumbled onto it .
I guess as long as the part is in compression you're ok

Here are some samples. The quality isn't too great due to the slicing software generating very average G-code. I plan to get Simplify 3D to improve quality.

The strength of the prototype is not too bad for compression. Obviously not too good under tension but still ok if the force is not too much. But just keep in mind the material used. It's not suitable to 3d print a final product unless it's a non structural item. It is however very good for proof of concept. But for toys, phone cases etc, it's ok for a final product.

Here, it cost $100/hr for machine work if not more. So a bracket which requires 1-2 hours of rework becomes ridiculously expensive. Not to mention the cost of getting it done is already ridiculous.

So just whip out Autocad, design and print your own stuff before you finalize your design and have it machined.

I'm pretty sure if you want to make a bracket for your headlight, relay mounts or what have you this would be perfect.

Or just download stuff from thingiverse, my little factory, yeggi etc for pre-made designs ready to print.

If you want to use an online free Cad program try http://www.tinkercad.com

Here are Some parts I printerd. The curtain rod brackets & cone, were designed by me using tinkercad . The iPhone case and others were downloaded

Printing custom car parts:

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/thre ... 78/page-12


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAsaRk26-Gc