What if you could carry your 3d printer with you as a small bag? What if 3d printers were everywhere? Researchers at HPI explored this possibility with actual hacked 3d printers and 3d printing pens to test the implications on everyday life. It would basically give you magic power to repair and replace everything on the spot with incredibly low cost. Sure, we are not there yet, but technologies and concepts are slowly converging to this point.
Here is a detailed talk by Thijs Roumen about the entire concept, the research conducted and the results:
Here is a video focused on the mobile printing process:
They used modified M3D machine which was cut down to more compact size of 9cm in hignt, equipped with a UDOO control PC computer, shoulder strap and a battery. I expect that someone will make simillar open sourced machine soon.
Since I wear eyeglasses since my early childhood, I have broken them may many times. To repair the frame is not easy and replacement is always costly. You can use some superglue or other hacks but it's problematic if the part has shattered in several pieces or you just can't find it.
Matias Mamone published his tutorial on Instructables featuring a easy step-by-step process how to design the broken part and 3d print it to make a solid bridge to fix the frame. Nice! Thank you Matias for this cool tutorial!
3d printed part that perfectly matches the lens
eyeglasses with broken part missing from the frame
If you have a problem with some older versions of Printrbot metal heated print bed, Brook demonstrates how to fix it. It looks simple and easy to do even if you are not so experienced.
I have seen the future! Changing already 3d printed objects without the need to 3d print them again! Group of researchers developed this method that uses multifinctional 3d printer with laser 3d scanner and CNC milling head to make changes to the already 3d printed object to add or subtract from the previous design.
You can also repair failed prints and make changes on the fly. The developers call this system "Patching". It saves a lot of time and material. Imagine spending few minutes repairing object that would take hours to reprint!
Seeing it in action is very impressive:
Hopefully this technique will find wider application and adoption on mainstream machines and design/control software.
Project description:
Personal fabrication is currently a one-way process: Once an object has been fabricated with a 3D printer, it cannot be changed anymore; any change requires printing a new version from scratch. In this paper, we propose a different approach: instead of re-printing the entire object from scratch, we suggest patching the existing object and replacing only the unsatisfactory parts. This saves material and reduces waste, making a first step towards more sustainable 3D printing.
This project is a collaboration between Hasso Plattner Institute and Cornell University.
Here is an interesting video that shows what sounds and noises are caused by various problems and failures of a 3d printing process. Yep, it sure brings up some memories...
Extruders jam sometimes and make some funny noises ...
Ruiz brothers from Adafruit did a very useful review and operations manual for Autodesk Ember SLA 3d printer. They go trough many aspect of it including basic maintenance and Hall sensor troubleshooting.
Basic review of Ember:
More detailed guide, operations manual and usage tips:
Here is a very detailed guide on how to use Ember, basic maintenance and even how to repair the Hall sensor so you can align the printer:
New day, new low cost printer from Asia. The bad thing about many new devices as this one, in my opinion, is that it uses some sort of custom cartridges (update: the cartridges can be hacked now and counter reset: look below) and custom software. But on other hand, some people like that.
Da Vinci 1.0 technical specifications
Technology: FFF (FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION)
Maximum build volume (WxHxD): 7.8W X 7.8H X 7.8D INCH (20 X 20 X 20 CM)
Printing Mode: FINE: 0.1 MM (100 MICRONS); STD: 0.2 MM (200 MICRONS); SPEED: 0.3 MM (300 MICRONS); ULTRA FAST: 0.4 MM (400 MICRONS)
Print Head: SINGLE NOZZLE (dual extruder models are announced by the company in the future)
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 MM
Print Speed: 150 MM/s
Filament Diameter: 1.75 MM
Print Material: ABS
Panel Type: 4 X 16 LCM
Language: ENGLISH, JAPANESE
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Net Weight (Cartridges included): 51.9 IB/23.5 KG
Price: 499 USD
File Types: .stl, G code, XYZ Format
OS Supports: Windows XP (.Net 4.0 required), Windows 7+, Mac OSX 10.8 64-bit +
da Vinci proprietary filament can be reset and cheaper common standard filament used with cartridges and make the daily operation much cheaper. Here are tutorials, guides and software used for the procedure.
Da Vinci announced that hey will start to sell cheaper user replaceable ABS refill filament for their custom cartridges. It will be their filament and they will deliver it with a chip enabling the printer to recognize new spool. The refill will be sold in 25 - 27 USD range for 600g. The company also announced that they will start to sell PLA filament also.
Video showing PLA 3d printed replacement part for small air compressor. It is some sort of high speed rotational suction / turbine for pushing air to cool the engine block. There are no details ... I would like to see more ... if the claim of the video is valid it is great example of usefulness of 3d printers in everyday usage ...
Great post on http://thinkl33t.co.uk/3d-printing-bandsaw-fence with detailed pictures and description of how 3d printed part replaced missing one on a bandsaw. Another epic win for additive manufacturing.
