"Parts is parts"

[AttyPops]

Staples to Offer Low Cost 3D Printing Service

3D printing system service to go mainstream. IDK costs. I probably doesn't do things like fine threads well, and I think it forms them out of plastic. However, it's interesting from a DIY perspective for all sorts of things. Beats having to have your own 3D printer (like Maker bot).

 

[TomCatt]

Cool! Betcha it would be great for making custom boxes.


Hmmm, no more drilling holes, no more expoxying battery holders .... and a perfectly formed, smooth opening for voltage meters :hotdamn!:

 

[TomCatt]

Interesting further information on this development:
Staples announces in-store 3-D printing service - CNN.com

"The Iris printers employ an innovative method to generate objects, using reams of paper that are cut and printed while being stacked and glued together. This technique allows for a high-resolution layer thickness of 100 microns, similar to that of the MakerBot Replicator 2, but not quite as fine as the 25-micron capability of the Form 1."

 

[AttyPops]

Hmmmm....

Maybe I'll pass. Would have been good for those custom boxes like you said...built in stand offs for custom PCB's and such, custom tops for tube mods, etc. But I though it was the plastic injection type of thing. May still work. I'd have to see how it held up. Doesn't sound as water/juice proof to me either.

Thanks for the link.

 

[TomCatt]

Scubabatdan has been using Shapeways - Make & Share Your Products with 3D Printing for the fan on his air-powered atomizer mod. Was just looking into them. Colored plastic is $1.50 cm3 (mL) with a ~6"x6"x6" max size limit. I might have to look into them. Not too sure about me mastering any design programs though