The Objet1000, the world's largest 3D printer as of December 2012, has a work envelope of 1,000mm x 800mm x 500mm at a 16 micron resolution. This image shows the scale of the Objet1000, definitely not something for the living room hobbyist.
The flimsy factor is a good point, Cabe. The prototyping aspect is attractive but you're right, when they reach the next level and support more sturdy materials printing then things will really get interesting.
Do these fiends of yours just want to make prototypes? How will that pay for itself, for them? I find it hard to imagine that they have machine shops build them prototypes all the time. Hence, where all the savings comes from.
Great story, Cabe. I don't think you're alone in wanting to justify the purchase of a 3D printer. I know numerous industrial designers who are anxious to buy one, as well, for use in prototyping.
I have spent quite a bit of time trying to justify purchasing a 3D printer. I have gone back and forth. I almost bought one a few time, with some sort of reason backing it up.
In the end I didn't get one. Mostly due to the fact that most parts created from them are flimsy and only good for a representation. At least is the printers I could afford.
When they can print glass-filled PVC, then a purchase will be made for sure.
Interesting article. I find the possibilities of 3D printing really exciting. It's amazing what can be printed now with the growing sophistication of this technology...it seems like the sky is the limit. It also helps companies cut costs and even may even the playing field for smaller companies that can't afford to outsource big printing jobs but may be able to afford the technology to do it themselves.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 5
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
For industrial control applications, or even a simple assembly line, that machine can go almost 24/7 without a break. But what happens when the task is a little more complex? That’s where the “smart” machine would come in. The smart machine is one that has some simple (or complex in some cases) processing capability to be able to adapt to changing conditions. Such machines are suited for a host of applications, including automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, computers and electronics, telecommunications, consumer goods, and so on. This radio show will show what’s possible with smart machines, and what tradeoffs need to be made to implement such a solution.
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
16 
