Re: Affordable 3D Printing Is Now Closer Than Ever

edgarjpublius — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:57:30 -0000

Low cost, desktop 3d printing has been around for a while now if you were willing to 'build-it yourself.
A rep-rap (gotta plug them first, 'cause I'm building one :D) machine can be built for about a fifth of the cost of this thing, and prints in much more durable and inexpensive ABS and HDPE plastics (between five and ten dollars a pound). the rep-rap site also has links to a bunch of 'boot-strap' designs that are cheaper and have vary-ing dificulty curves and capabilities. (reprap.org)

Makerbot has an even cheaper option in their Cupcake CNC machine for $750-950, with similar capabilities but a much smaller volume. Though it also comes as a full kit, whereas rep-rap is just a design and you have to source the parts your self. (makerbot.com)

On the more expensive side of things, Fab@home sells pre-built machines, kits and parts with similar capabilities to the above machines and a decent sized usable volume.
It's still cheaper than the desktop factory though, their most expensive pre-built unit is still only $4100, while cheaper units are available for around $3700, and full kits for $2700
(fabathome.org)

And there are plenty of other options out there, the last year or so has seen a bit of an explosion with regards to desktop rapid-prototyping. No need to wait, the future is now!

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Re: Affordable 3D Printing Is Now Closer Than Ever