LockNesters #3D puzzles set to un-lock 3D printing potential
http://bit.ly/1wC8vzV
No offence but these are plastic toys that people don’t really need. 3D printing’s potential will be unlocked when people can affordably print strong parts in materials like steel so that they can replace parts for cars, washing machines etc.
@Simple_Lists Gosh, that’s rough. I mean it’d be nice if we could build cars with printing machines (http://www.imts.com/show/newsletter/insider/article.cfm?aid=1151)
But people do make a lot of toys, and it’s hardly wrong or a waste to do so…
@Simple_Lists Don’t mistake these puzzles (which could help improve print quality) as being a representation of the potential of 3d printing.
3D printing has already saved lives in multiple ways. 3D printed pieces hold open the airways for some infants with breathing problems near the lungs. 3D printing has replaced the skull cap of some lady with a genetic/cancer issue(I forget which). 3D printing has given doctors test organs to train on before cutting into the real thing so they would not kill the person they are operating on. 3D printing has made cars. 3D printing has printed buildings. 3D printing can be used to make molds for metal, clay, dough, resin, etc.
3D printing can be done using ABS plastic, PLA plastic, clay, dough, concrete (specialized machine), a sort of wood+polymer mix, nylon, HIPS, metal (specialized expensive machine), etc. For metal prints, you may want to ask shapeways to print your stuff unless you are filthy rich like Jay Leno who just so happens to 3D print replacement parts for his antique cars using metal.
Although I do not really understand what this guy was intending to do in that link, I know that a person with a 3D printer needs a few difficult print jobs to improve their skills so they can print things more effectively and accurately.
We’ve spent a month “playing” with our printer to dial in the settings for different kinds of filament and conditions - and we’re still learning. Thanks for the grist for that learning mill!
You’ld better believe it that a cheap plastic model will be done of those metal creations first.