New Shapeways material

[bbussey]

I have every right to that information as a "MAKER" selling my designs and they are my part supplier.

Tools and machines become un-calibrated over time and use.  What I asked for is how often they adjust the machine back into calibration so they can deliver their advertised specs.

There is no hoping- it is measurable and quantifiable.  They print a test a model and measure the results and don't produce parts on that machine until it is capable.

Orientation does nothing for you it simply shifts the error state to another axis of dimension on the design.

Change my design to their error state- NEVER! In the manufacturing industry this is known as mean shifting and without proper knowledge of supplier capability for each critical dimension they are trying to produce for you, it is the equivalent of chasing your tail.  If they re-calibrate without your knowledgte, you will be forced to change the design again, and again and again, but you will not find out until parts don't fit- parts that should have been to spec in the first place!

The fact that a machine owner has to recalibrate on a regular schedule is not our problem regardless of the difficulty involved.  Industry part suppliers have a maintenance schedule they follow to ensure proper dimensional capability of their manufacturing process.

Whatever John. They don't have to do squat, obviously. Your only viable option is to find another supplier willing to work with you, find out what the machine is off by, ADJUST the XYZ scale of your model accordingly, and have it rendered in the same orientation every time.

And no, they ProJets are NOT easy to calibrate. I went through a similar exercise with a friendly vendor a couple of years ago. We ended up printing a 100mm X 100mm square and measuring that to get the XY adjustments needed for the models (the Z axis was accurate at the time).

You know, it's very conceivable that others have encountered all of the issues you're currently encountering and have some wisdom on how to handle it. RP rendering, model design, etching design, etcetera. You should listen to what they have to say instead of thinking your way is the best way all of the time — ESPECIALLY when you don't have full control over the production process.

[arbomambo]

Very interesting. I'll be waiting with bated breath to see results from some of our local Shapeways gurus.

I'm loving that I finally see someone spelling 'bated' correctly...
Bruce

[wcfn100]

The new material is up but only for makers.

I've got a couple pieces I'm going to try and order today but have to adjust a couple files.  When they say $5 a part, they mean it!

Hopefully they can get the supported wall minimums down if they allow the buyer to clean up the model (it reads like the support material removal is the issue with too thin walls).

Jason

[C855B]

http://www.shapeways.com/materials/high-definition-acrylate

Note that two of the four pictured samples are N and Z models.

Yes, $5 a part is going to be a serious, serious problem for detail parts. Look down near the bottom of the specs: "no sprues".

[Lemosteam]

Yes, those min wires and walls will make our designs much more clunky looking.

Wonder how often they'll calibrate this machine...

[Iain]

I wonder how well this would work for truck sideframes.

[wcfn100]

I've contacted them about the 'no sprues'.  I understand the issues they are worried about, but I have a couple files that there's no reason the parts wold require a $5 apiece charge. 

They know that they are going to have to adjust things as more people try out the material.  Hopefully they can give me a way to print multiple small parts without the surcharge.

I suggested that I could do the clean up if that could be a solution.


Jason

[bbussey]

I submitted the following items for rendering:

• PD4501 Scenicruiser body
• New Haven EP-3 main truck sideframe
• New Haven I-5 driver wheel centers

This is a good mix to see how the material responds regarding intricate detail and compound services, as well as rigidity/flexibility.  I'll report back on the results.

[wcfn100]

So Shapeways is going to work with me a bit in regards to the sprues. I'll report back on how it goes.

Jason

[bnsfdash8]

I ordered one of my SD60E cabs in it, looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

[Lemosteam]

Here's my contribution-

[wcfn100]

Unfortunately all my files are failing the .6mm wall thickness.  I think the only way around that is to get them to let the buyer remove the support material.  I'll have to contact them again tomorrow.


Jason

[up1950s]

What I want is 36' fishbelly refer frames , about 20 of them I guess  . I have made some out of Evergreen but the rub with them is literally the rub which results in the white showing after the paint is worn away . I plan on re-using the truss rod frames for logging , while at the same time making some refeers look rebuilt and more modern looking . Anybody want to take this on ?

[peteski]

What I want is 36' fishbelly refer frames , about 20 of them I guess  . I have made some out of Evergreen but the rub with them is literally the rub which results in the white showing after the paint is worn away .

What brand of paint did you use? Was the plastic clean and degreased?  I either wash the parts in 99% Isopropanol or in Naphtha. Paints like AccuPaint and Tru Color Paint pretty much fuse with plastic and are very durable.  If the plastic is clean, the paint will stick to it *REALLY* well.

The other alternative is to use Evergreen black styrene (it is available down on 0.010" thickness). But you have to cut your own strips.

[up1950s]

What brand of paint did you use? Was the plastic clean and degreased?  I either wash the parts in 99% Isopropanol or in Naphtha. Paints like AccuPaint and Tru Color Paint pretty much fuse with plastic and are very durable.  If the plastic is clean, the paint will stick to it *REALLY* well.

The other alternative is to use Evergreen black styrene (it is available down on 0.010" thickness). But you have to cut your own strips.

Here is where I purchased some black sizes , but haven't made frames yet .
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=black+ploystyrene&_blrs=spell_check&_oac=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xblack+polystyrene.TRS0&_nkw=black+polystyrene&_sacat=0