Quality of 3d prints from Makerbot Replicator 2

[Fuchur]

Hi!

 

Since there are often the questions about how good the quality of 3d printers in the affordable price range are, I tried to answer that in my newest Blog post.

If you are interested in that kind of stuff, you may want to check it out:

3d Print: Close Up

 

See you

*Fuchur*

[robcat2075]

Thanks for posting that. Those layers are more visible than I expected.

 

Will you smooth that particular object somehow, maybe by sanding?

[Fuchur]

Thanks for posting that. Those layers are more visible than I expected.

 

Will you smooth that particular object somehow, maybe by sanding?

 

Actually for this object I will not do anything like that because it looks quite interesting the way it is having nice speculars on it.

 

The problem with sanding is, that you would have to paint it after that again. If the surface is sanded you will alter its appearance and it will (in this case) look more like a grey/white thing than the other black parts.

 

Keep in mind, that you will only see these layers at a certain angle with a lightsource showing it and of course you need to be quite close to it. (this is all matched in the images I show you there).

In general people do only notice them at all if I tell them to look for the layers. And of course: If you are using other filament which is not that shiny by itself, it is much less noticeable. I choose black for that reason. It is one of the shinest filaments I've got and it is most easy to see the layers on it. (but since most plastic parts you may have are actually black these do somehow not get noticed much... it is quite interesting to see what people really notice and what they dont...)

 

Be aware that the form of this object is very curvy too. Like that you can easily see the layers on the object... if it would be more of a straight thing it would be less noticeable... it highly depends on what you will print and this may be one of the parts where it really is easy to spot the steps due to its curvy nature.

 

See you

*Fuchur*

[zandoriastudios]

Here is a Yoda head from Thingiverse.com printed in natural PLA.

First picture is it with the support material on the build platform. The second picture is it cleaned-up next to one that has a coat of primer on it. The primer fills in some of the stair stepped look. I think a little putty and sanding would make it pretty smooth. This was printed at standard quality

[robcat2075]

I'm still impressed that Charles Babbage got his 3D printed steam engine to work with surfaces like that.

[Simon Edmondson]

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/02/the-...s-in-real-time/

 

It seemed more appropriate to post here than start a new thread but, this may be of interest ?

simon

[NancyGormezano]

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/02/the-...s-in-real-time/

 

It seemed more appropriate to post here than start a new thread but, this may be of interest ?

 

Yes - I have seen that before (and also posted in a different thread - somewhere) - fascinating!

 

Local libraries in my area have recently announced they will be offering use of 3D printers

 

I haven't checked this out yet, as I don't think their programs are in full swing, but I will most likely investigate at some point. I'm surprised the Cupertino Library hasn't also participated. Sunnyvale and Mountain View are neighboring towns.

Edited November 11, 2013 by NancyGormezano

[robcat2075]

Local libraries in my area have recently announced they will be offering use of 3D printers

 

I haven't checked this out yet, as I don't think their programs are in full swing, but I will most likely investigate at some point. I'm surprised the Cupertino Library hasn't also participated. Sunnyvale and Mountain View are neighboring towns.

 

 

Head line of the future:

 

"Man 3D Prints Gun, Takes Librarian Hostage"

[NancyGormezano]

Head line of the future:

 

"Man 3D Prints Gun, Takes Librarian Hostage"

 

Yup, another reason to always be packing heat these days sez the NRA.

[Simon Edmondson]

...

 

Yes - I have seen that before (and also posted in a different thread - somewhere) - fascinating!

 

...

 

Nancy

apologies for duplicate post. I thought I recalled it but couldn't be sure.

regards

simon

[Fuchur]

Head line of the future:

 

"Man 3D Prints Gun, Takes Librarian Hostage"

 

Yup, another reason to always be packing heat these days sez the NRA.

 

... we do not need to talk about how dumb that is, right?

 

See you

*Fuchur*

[NancyGormezano]

... we do not need to talk about how dumb that is, right?

 

Um. My comment was supposed to be dumb...just to clarify, incase the sarcasm didn't translate well

 

apologies for duplicate post.

not a problem - I enjoyed being reminded of this again!

[robcat2075]

Everybody freeze and don't move until my 3D gun is done printing!

[zandoriastudios]

Our library in Chattanooga has 2 makerbots and a Rostock delta printer! The entire 4th floor is a Makerspace--all you need is a library card

http://chattlibrary.org/4th-floor

[zandoriastudios]

Ya gotta love being on the bleeding edge... Here is a shot of something I was printing last night when I went home--looked pretty good at 50%, but when I came in this morning it had knocked loose from the build platform and completed the print in mid-air (spaghetti)