Rapid Prototyping

UPDATE!! Today, 2010-10-18 I ordered and paid the an UP!. 4 weeks from now I can look forward to a delivery from China. I read so much good experiences from other users, that I simply couldn't wait any longer and want one as soon as possible.

Many times I thought about how easy it would be to be able to print some parts I need for an experiment. I have my CNC mill and with I'm able to produce nice parts, but it is time consuming. But I was aware that 3D-printers are expensive. And a part with a little bit less precision will do for experiments. Sometimes I build some very quick setups, just to test a statement that someone makes, and for those experiments I use often "Fred Flintstone" techniques. But now there are printers that will do for hobbyists like me. Some as kit, some completely build. I made once mill from a kit and that was a big project. So I will go for a complete solution. I found only a handful but I like this one because of the size and the work that can be done with it:

But I must be honest: I don't have this printer yet, so what I know about it, is what I read on the website of the seller pp3dp.com. I have no answers on questions about this printer. Visit their site for more information and don't forget to read the forum so you can make your own conclusion. This is not an ad, this is my personal choice. The reason I show it here is that I finally found a reasonable priced printer that can save me hours in the workshop.

And there are more options. If you want to build a printer yourself then this can be an option. The size of the part that can be build is much bigger (320x300x200mm) and that can be nice. bitsfrombytes.com

Or this one (100x100mm plate size) at http://store.makerbot.com