Is it sad that I came up with a hot end idea that can only be created using a 3D printer? o_O
Toying with an idea for a mixing hot end, but it’s far too complex for milling or casting unfortunately, which means it’s likely to just be abandoned.
But you can print it in metal if you have the right design.If it will be the real multicolor sla hot end ,it would probably cover the 3d printing cost.
@David_Malnar probably, but I’d need to go through several iterations I’m sure. No one gets it right in one try, right? 
I’ll have to look into locating someone with a high enough end printer to handle it and see what it’ll cost me. Definitely worth the penny if the idea works out, and using the sample I could get moving using Kickstarter or similar crowd funding.
Exactly ,lets say 100 prototypes * 500 usd at piece =50.000 usd for the project ,you can find that money on kickstarter
Ouch, not sure I can do even one $500 prototype. I’m running on near zero capital right now, I was thinking it’d be priced more similar to Shapeways’ metal stuff (though I doubt theirs would be clean enough on the small details I need)
It actually looks like I’d need to get the prototypes done on an MLS machine
@Mark_Taraba thanks, but the details I need are internal and too fine for casting, the metal wouldn’t be able to flow into spots and I’d never be able to get it out of the mold.
Do it like goldsmiths do… Print the piece in PLA, put it into a plaster mold, burn out the PLA, then cast.
Surface tension of molten metals won’t allow it to flow into the spaces no matter what technique. Molten metal will not work.
goldsmiths use a centrifuge (or vacuum) to cast, which overcomes the surface tension for the most part. I have successfully cast fine mesh and filigree work with details smaller than .5mm.