3D Printing - Buy a Printer or Farm Out?

[Smiler.]

I know a few people on here have them.

I need to prototype some plastic parts but I don't know what's considered "simple".

The image below shows one of them.

The black parts highlight a recess & collar arrangement (approx 1.5mm thick) Overall OD is 41mm, ID is 31mm. length is 75mm.





Are the capabilities of a cheap 3D printer up to the job (£500 budget)? If so, recommendations?

If not, anyone had good experiences with a professional (or amatuer) prototyper?

[Craikeybaby]

I'd farm it out. We have a 3D printer at work and prints rarely come out right first time.

[4x4Tyke]

To get good results 3D printers require calibration.

Outsource it.

[tribbles]

You wouldn't get the quality you need for that kind of resolution at that price - I'd also farm it out.

I have an FFF printer which I used for prototyping ideas, but if it needs quality, then I outsource it.

[tactical lizard]

I have used 3d print UK a few times for SLS nylon parts.

If you need accuracy and good tolerances then SLS printed nylon is the way to go.

Only slight issues with SLS is it's porosity and the standard white is a dirt magnet.

Choose to have the parts polished too.

[rich888]

Take a look at www.shapeways.com which matches owners of 3D printers to users who would like a part 3D printed, you upload your file and within a few minutes receive quotes back from several companies. I've not had anything printed via the site as yet but have had quotes back for various components I have been considering manufacturing.

[mike9009]

Our engineering teams at work have four 3D printers - a couple self build, a couple pre built of differing ages/ prices. From at outside perspective, they all seem to be an absolute pig to run, calibrate and get decent results out of, despite many hours trying to get things right. Undoubtedly useful, but very hit and miss.

I would just outsource to a specialist, as everyone else seems to recommend too

Mike

[Simon.]

Unless you invest heavily in the 3D Printer you're not going to get the best of qualities.

I have a friend who spent 5 figures on his 3D Printer, it's good enough that he uses it to manufacture product that sells internationally, however as I said, it cost him 5 figures.

Like everyone else mentions, I would probably outsource it and let everyone else have the issues rather than you.

[RM]

Simon. said:

Unless you invest heavily in the 3D Printer you're not going to get the best of qualities.

I have a friend who spent 5 figures on his 3D Printer, it's good enough that he uses it to manufacture product that sells internationally, however as I said, it cost him 5 figures.

Like everyone else mentions, I would probably outsource it and let everyone else have the issues rather than you.

Which printer does he have? I've just started looking at them and there seems to be a gaping chasm between the £2k Ultimaker types and the serious 6 figure machines.

[anonymous-user]

I have a colleague with one and he has spent a lot time on it to ensure good results.

If this is a one off or limited volume them go external.

[Smiler.]

Thanks for the replies - pretty conclusive which way to go