3D printing? | GTAMotorcycle.com

3D printing?

wonderings

Well-known member
How complicated is software for 3D printing? Is this something someone not involved with any 3D modelling could step into somewhat easily? Is there a need for some expensive software?

I was originally looking at this:
https://printm3d.com

I read some mediocre reviews and then came across this. A bit more money, but seems and sounds like a much better device:
http://shop.polar3d.com/collections/frontpage/products/polar-3d-printer

Is 3D printing something an amateur or even less then amateur can get into or is it a specific field where you really need to study and have a serious grasp of 3D software?
 
My high school teacher buddy pioneered a science class around it. its actually pretty simple, cheaper than you think for basic fun and the software is now pretty basic.
He has from a $200 kit printer to a 3FTx3FT X 2ft gantry printer that will make parts in carbon fibre, printed. Even I can figure it out so its not hard.
 
I think Windows 10 even comes with a free app for 3D printing
 
There is a site that I played around with a bit that made the basics look pretty easy:
https://www.tinkercad.com

Think I might make it a christmas gift for myself, looks like it could be a fun and interesting hobby. There is one unit that has a built in 3D scanner as well, but that is well above the price range for starting a hobby.
 
All the software i use for my printer is free and opensource.

Sketchup for design, slicer for creating the tool path and printsource for printer interface.

How amateurish or novice can use one is like asking how long a rope is. Depends. A novice who has the mind for it will pick it up easy.
 
How about a bench top mill like the othermill? Are they any good?

I think a personal mill would be more useful to me than a 3d printer as I could make small parts out of more durable material.

What would I be looking at to get a half way decent bench top mill and how complicated is it to create a file that the mill can read?
 

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