3-D Printer at CES practical applications For RV's

[c177tx]

I was reviewing some of the items being introduced at CES this evening on line and saw something interesting, a 3d printer.

http://ces.cnet.com/2300-33368_1-100...ol%3bcnetRiver

It uses several different types of plastic. It might be interesting what items could be designed out of ABS plastic that could be used in the experimental aircraft. And imagine if a airworthy material could be used in the printer to just print out an airplane in the future.

G.W. Moore
RV8 tail kit completed

[GusBiz]

I already have a quote from a group in Sydney that is going to be doing some 3D printing for the interior. Its not that expensive and the resulting material is really lite.

The real cost is in design.

[sthopkins]

I'm not an RV builder yet, but I have some experience with this machinery, including evaluating and purchasing one for a startup that I worked for. FDM (this technology) is the way to go for functional parts IMO.

In summary - WOW. 1700$ for that sort of capability is just tremendous. The smaller machine has some limitations, but at 1100 for an unassembled kit, just great...

The only material I see with real potential is the ABS, which is flammable, so I'd caution using it in an RV in any real quantity, but for prototyping, well, it's perfect. These are also good for creating prototype parts, test jigs, and fixturing for manufacturing.

I'm interested to see if there's a market out there for this. The prices of these things would make it pretty easy to put one in my home office....

[larrynew]

An article in Barron's last year said 3-D printing might be a global game changer. No longer will you have to make 10,000 in China, just print one when you need it. They estimated that 20% of the 3-D printing done today is for end use, not just prototyping. Boeing makes many parts using 3-D printing. Almost no waste vs. up to 90% when machining which adds up when using titanium or other expensive media plus it can be designed more efficiently. You can't cast or machine some internal configurations that you can print. Just wish I knew which company was the next microsoft of the 3-D printing world.

[rocketbob]

I talked a friend of mine at work into building a Makerbot about 2 months ago. It's very cool. I've been very surprised with how durable the ABS plastic is. He brings in something to work he made the night before just about every day to show off.

[Toobuilder]

Originally Posted by c177tx

...And imagine if a airworthy material could be used in the printer to just print out an airplane in the future...

Well, aerospace companies are in fact building flightworthy parts from this technology. It simply goes from the engineer's CATIA terminal to the "printer" to the ship... Pretty cool.

[CharlieWaffles]

I could easily see some areas where someone could use this to make their own custom parts.

Custom Stick Grips
Colored Switch covers (even for the stick grip)
Gust Locks
flap switch
Stand offs
Door Handles
Fuel Selector Handle
Throttle Quadrant Custom hand pieces

[larrynew]

Originally Posted by c177tx

And imagine if a airworthy material could be used in the printer to just print out an airplane in the future.

Airbus plans to print an entire wing:

http://www.popsci.com/technology/art...-aircraft-wing

[Cfrisella]

I own an FDM machine. Build envelope is 10x10x12. The machine is amazing and some parts can be functional. Most, if not all FDM's require two build materials. The ABS plastic and support material. Cost runs about 7$ per cubic inche for build materials. Some parts may require very little ABS material, but a lot of support material. We primarily use it for models to take molds off of. This little machine cost 40k, but worth every penny in my opinion.

[sthopkins]

Originally Posted by larrynew

An article in Barron's last year said 3-D printing might be a global game changer. No longer will you have to make 10,000 in China, just print one when you need it. They estimated that 20% of the 3-D printing done today is for end use, not just prototyping. Boeing makes many parts using 3-D printing. Almost no waste vs. up to 90% when machining which adds up when using titanium or other expensive media plus it can be designed more efficiently. You can't cast or machine some internal configurations that you can print. Just wish I knew which company was the next microsoft of the 3-D printing world.

My use (~5 years med device development) was probably 90% end use.

I'd say that there's no Microsoft in 3-d printing (intercompatibility isn't a big driver in selection) but IMO Stratasys has the best FDM product.