A [slightly] different approach to 3D Printers

[RogerI...@aol.com]

I have an idea for a slightly different approach to 3D Printing.

 

In conventional 3D printing the printer builds up layer upon layer of material, constructing the entire solid structure as it goes. But suppose that instead of constructing it as a solid, the printer builds up layers so that only the shell of the structure is built. Then, every ten or twenty or thirty layers it fills in the shell with a liquid, perhaps a two-part self-curing epoxy or a UV-curable liquid.

 

I'm thinking that this approach could significantly speed up the overall process and possibly result in a stronger final product.

 

Anyone have a 3D printer they'd be willing to hack in order to give this approach a try? It could be the basis for a new 3D printing technology, maybe even a new company. 

 

- Roger Garrett

[Jerry Isdale]

The internal structure of 3d parts is rarely solid.  Generally they are built with a honeycomb or lattice inside.  Many of the tools for creating parts automagically create the lattice from the 3d designs.

Jerry Isdale

isd...@gmail.com

[Binary Buddha]

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And the purpose of complicating the cuts? I can only see this in
resulting in less resolution of the object at the end.
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[Nicole Hori]

Roger,

It's a good idea to make composite materials with 3D printing, and I
think this is a tool that has some similarities to what you're
describing. It lets you "print parts and assemblies made of several
materials with different mechanical and physical properties. More than
that, PolyJet Matrix also allows on-demand fabrication of composite
materials, called Digital Materials™."
http://www.objet.com/products/polyjet_matrix_technology/

It would be nice to see this available with the Makerbot too, of
course. I wonder how difficult it would be to modify it?

Also, check out this example of using a 3d printer to print the
negative space.
http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/devices/scientists-create-vascular-network-using-sugar-and-a-3d-printer

Nicole

[Bob Matcuk]

Just saw this article about "SLA" 3D printers: http://www.wired.com/design/2012/07/3-d-printers-that-dont-suck/

Looks like the laser printer of the 3D world! Watch the video! Though, the commenters note that they are REALLY slow =(

-Bob

[Jerry Isdale]

Strange they call SLA 'new' as that was the first 3d printer back in 1987 time frame.

I did a 1month contract for a startup called 3D Systems back then, helping them get code running for their first laser cured plastic printer.

The patents have expired so now it can show up as a lower cost kit.

Jerry Isdale

isd...@gmail.com