3D printing

[kleinman98]

3D printing looks to be the way of the future and I thought I would start this up and see who can come up with ideas relating to prospecting or anything else.

 

[kleinman98]

Here is a photo of my printer at work.

 

[kleinman98]

 

[Teemore]

Hi John,
interesting technology ... think someone from Vic was playing around trying to make up a small portable sluice from interlocking pieces churned out on a 3D printer.
Just trying to figure out what yours is making ...... obviously not a ML 5000 ?
Cheers Tom

ps .. looks to be a big mother?

 

[kleinman98]

Test printing a hand.

 

[Teemore]

Beauty, make it a bit longer, I've got a spot on my back that is just out of reach ....
Looks like an expensive item.
Thanks Tom

 

[kleinman98]

I printed out a Hog Mat profile successfully.
Check out www.thingiverse.com for inspiration.

 

[Redfin]

Bloody amazing John. good on you for having the balls to have a go.
Would love one but have too much on the go atm.
will watch this thread with interest to see what you achieve.

 

[nuggetino]

That is so cool. Can you print the plastic screws and washers that hold the gpx coils on?

 

[kleinman98]

That is so cool. Can you print the plastic screws and washers that hold the gpx coils on?

Should be able to if someone drew it up .
Dont know what it looks like. Is it just a nut and bolt?

 

[condor22]

All 3D printing requires a 3D CAD model file to work. I guess the best analogy is, if you want to print a letter you need to type it out first in something like Microsoft Word, then send it to the printer.

Prior to my retirement I was a CAD/CAM Manager and Design Drafter (originally a toolmaker, way back in the dawn of time lol)

The fastener fittings for detectors are easy to model (draw), it's then just a matter of saving the file in the correct format of the available 3D printer and using the right material to print.

 

[kelack]

great stuff John no end to what u could do with that very interesting

 

[Jaros]

Wow mate. Wonderful tool. You can see its got a great future in a multitude of areas.

 

[bignev]

Interesting there John

Just out of interest how much does it cost for the material to print up something like the hand?

 

[AusFX]

Nice Makerbot clone
We have a 2X at uni, havent had much of a chance to use it yet, but I've had a few things done with shapeways.

That ring in the image above is also 3D printed in wax then cast.

I'm still only a beginner on the 3D modelling side of things, thankfully I have a good friend who does it for a living
When SLS printers become affordable I'll buy my own.

 

[Tathradj]

It is only a matter of time. LOL
https://twitter.com/AutoCAD/status/462301256313487360/photo/1
.
Want a new car, Just print it

 

[AusFX]

It is only a matter of time. LOL
https://twitter.com/AutoCAD/status/462301256313487360/photo/1
.
Want a new car, Just print it

Remember the old anti-piracy ads, "you wouldn't download a car"
As soon as it become possible you bet your ass I will

 

[kleinman98]

Interesting there John

Just out of interest how much does it cost for the material to print up something like the hand?

Probably about $5 or $6 at a guess for the plastic.

 

[Teemore]

Found a link to what V-8 was trying to do with his 3D printer, a small sluice set-up made of interlocking sections (not sure how it turned out) ......

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/img/member-images/2099/1395893178_sluice_1.jpg

Think there is also another reference where one of the members was trying (or did) replicate a "blue Bowl" and another a sluice mat along the lines of the "ground hog" mats ..... think the plans for some are available through the site John has mentioned.

Looks like fun ....
Cheers Tom

 

[loamer]

Sorry if this a dumb question - would it be possible to print a map with 3D contours. For example as follows. Could/would be a useable planning/training tool. Even be good for doing hydrology planning. I have seen a few 3D military maps that are 'printed' in plastic with contours etc etc.