I have been looking for a 3D printer for a few projects. I have been trying to estimate a budget for bang-for-ducat factor but my ignorance of the market is really holding me back.
Do you have any experience with specific models? Problems or pluses? Have you rolled your own? What about the material availability? How are the speeds of the various printers described?
I have no personal experience, however I did have the pleasure of being shown some amazing 3D printed objects by the mathematician George Hart. I believe he was using a makerbot in his home, but had some objects that he created on larger more industrial printers. I think the makerbot was slow, and required a lot of shaving after production, but he did have a small conveyor belt under it, so he could set up production of multiples and walk away. I'm interested in 3d printing. If you get one, definitely share your experience.
Yeah, Makerbot seems to be the most affordable as far as I can tell, but the kit is still gonna be more than $600. Another option is to upload your file and have the finished thing mailed to you. Shapeways does this and it seems like a respectable business. What I like about them is that they can print in metal and ceramic, while I think Makerbot still just uses ABS.
I have little knowledge of 3D printing but I just read this http://www.engineeringexchange.com/forum/topics/the-perfect-... and it seems like it could be helpful to you.
I am waiting til they come out with the nano-printers. Home-made nano-foam anyone?
My only experience in 3D printing was as a fly on the wall for this conversation a while back.