Bowser buys 3D printer.

[wcfn100]

Lifted this from STMFC.

http://www.bowser-trains.com/new/3d.html

http://www.3dsystems.com/press-releases/3d-systems-unveils-professional-micro-sla-3d-printer-4900

Jason

[Chris333]

I saw that a few weeks ago. Think they are using it to lost-cast the parts in brass.

[GimpLizard]

30 micron (.0012") layers is getting down there. I wonder if I can get Bowser to print me an N scale Rambler station wagon. That is assuming I get me new 3D laser scanner (http://www.dynamism.com/3d-printers/matter-and-form.shtml) to give me a finished SLA file that's actually usable.

[C855B]

30 micron (.0012") layers is getting down there. I wonder if I can get Bowser to print me an N scale Rambler station wagon. That is assuming I get me new 3D laser scanner (http://www.dynamism.com/3d-printers/matter-and-form.shtml) to give me a finished SLA file that's actually usable.

That's about 600 voxels per inch. Good enough for HO, but aliasing will be noticeable on N models. We need twice that.

Amazing for SLA, however. I never thought extruders would ever get past crude, rude and unattractive.

[rschaffter]

Maybe they can print Victor an Atlantic... 

[sirenwerks]

What resolution does Shapeways print at?  I'm wondering because the metal materials it offers seem to lack the layering.  I don't know if the metal material is printed or an original is printed and then cast in metal.  I doubt the last, given what's involved in casting small parts.  Printing in metal via Shapeways and casting at home might be a ways to go for some things.

[pnolan48]

. . .  Printing in metal via Shapeways and casting at home might be a ways to go for some things.

For now, bingo! But this little machine is getting down there. I'm going to presume the actual layering is closer to 43 microns (585 dpi) rather than 30. I do hate it when I can't resolve something like "prints 30 micron layers at 585 dpi." Isn't 30 microns closer to 840 dpi? I'm having some small parts made for me by others through Shapeways. Actually some are quite large (single 5" turrets, for example), and need to be finished a bit before molding and casting.

I've followed 3D Systems for years, and they have been a solid company that has delivered on their promises.

[C855B]

... I do hate it when I can't resolve something like "prints 30 micron layers at 585 dpi." Isn't 30 microns closer to 840 dpi? ...

The issue with 3D printers is the XY axes and the Z axis have different granularities. Since this is an extrusion printer, X/Y is more a factor of the nozzle size than anything else. So "585" is the X/Y, and the "30 microns" corresponds to the increment of the stepper motor and precision screw controlling the build platform (Z axis).

[pnolan48]

Thanks, Mike.

So why can't we say it prints at 840 dpi in the Z axis and 585 dpi in the X and Y?  I know, it's like describing resolution on a TV screen. Or say prints with 43 micron precision in X and Y, in a 30 micron Z layer? I worked exclusively in the metric system. It's really handy for N scale, where one foot equals 1.95 mm, and 2 mm is a good approximation for most everything, so a 40-foot boxcar is 80 mm long (actually 78 mm).

[Stogie]

Resolution is not the only problem with using this technology for detail work. There is also a problem with some of the resins breaking down over time. I have some rapid prototypes floating around here that have seen temps up to 90F, and they have yellowed even though they were in a box and protected from UV and other light sources.