Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
moves the extruder to a particular point to
extrude the plastic.
quires relatively little maintenance. The Mak-
erBot Replicator is similarly focused, but is
both more versatile and may require a bit
more maintenance.
Buying Options: Turnkey,
Kit, or DIY
A word of warning: when buying a turnkey
printer, be wary of “razor vs. blades” business
models. 3D printers exist that are seemingly
cheap, but which require proprietary fila-
ment cartridges, where the consumable fil-
ament costs two to three times the going
market rates.
With this information in hand, it's time to
choose a printer! There are many turnkey
solutions that go well beyond our targeted
price range. And there are some that are
quite affordable. The Up 3D printer (the same
as the
“Afinia H-Series” on page 18
) is an
example of a “ready-to-print” device that re-
Plastic Prototyping
Bathsheba Grossman's beautiful (and incredibly pop-
ular) Klein Bottle Opener is a perfect example of the
prototype-in-plastic, print-in-metal process that al-
lows for lots of cheap plastic drafts before commit-
ting to the relatively expensive process of procuring
a finished metal part.
2. Removing the support
On the left is a 3D print of Grossman's bottle opener.
On the right is the same model printed in stainless
steel and brass from Shapeways. You could tune and
print the model all day long for very little money (less
than $1 in plastic per print) and then commit to the
metal version once fully satisfied with geometry, fit,
functionality, etc.
1. A draft print of the Klein Bottle Opener still
attached to the print bed with the support
visible at the bottom
3. The finished draft beside the final piece
