Just read about guns being made on 3d printer,(and working) lead me to have a look at what other things can be made, found this site. Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects. some realy good stuff ,wonder if anybody has made an Ebike motor , or parts,using a 3d printer.

Although you can print virtually any shape, the material is relatively low-grade plastic, and the printing in layers gives it low shear strength in the direction that pulls the layers apart. The accuracy is also quite low on the affordable ones. Like many things, technology will continue to advance, so eventually accuracy and strength will improve, but they've got a long way to go yet.

The wife's happy with ours

 

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Although you can print virtually any shape, the material is relatively low-grade plastic, and the printing in layers gives it low shear strength in the direction that pulls the layers apart. The accuracy is also quite low on the affordable ones. Like many things, technology will continue to advance, so eventually accuracy and strength will improve, but they've got a long way to go yet.

 

Thanks Dave, first sensible comment I've seen on this. New technologies are often hyped, but the world seems to have gone foolishly overboard about this.

I've just seen some pictures of the gun parts on the News Channel. The parts printed were really poor quality because they were printed on a cheap printer (about £100). The Americans are using the more expensive printers (£5000+) for their guns. I think it would have been better if the police had left these guys alone. When they tried to use their guns, they'd probably blow off their faces and the problem would solve itself.

 

Manchester parts:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-24666591

 

American parts:

http://inhabitat.com/liberator-pistol-worlds-first-3d-printed-wiki-weapon-fired-successfully-in-texas/

I think the materials will be a problem for a long time though. The American gun used ABS and the rubber in that is polybutadiene which is destroyed by the UV in sunlight, making the ABS brittle. OK as a single use weapon immediately after production, but parts made from plastics like this will suffer many often unforeseen vulnerabilities.

My dentist tells me that it is now possible to scan the inside of a person's mouth rather than take dental impressions. They send the result by email to Switzerland where the denture base is made, this comes back to the dental mechanic who fits the teeth.

Apparently a near perfect fit is obtained.

Problem is that the scanner alone costs £48,000

Greater Manchester Police are backing down, a new statement says they can't definitely say that they are gun parts. Little wonder, after release on bail, the accused shopkeeper has challenged anyone to show how the parts could be used to make a gun and has said the two parts are to improve the 3D printer's performance!

 

It's beginning to look like more of the hysteria that pervades our age.

Problem is that the scanner alone costs £48,000

Oh good, I think I'll have two.

is destroyed by the UV in sunlight, OK as a single use weapon immediately after production, but parts made from plastics like this will suffer many often unforeseen vulnerabilities.

 

My vampire friends have a similar problem.

I have some experience of 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping from my previous career in Maxillo Facial Technology.

 

It was quite amazing to see the data from a CT or MRI scan turn into a solid 3 dimensional model.

 

Only a few years ago it was very Tomorrows World, very expensive and objects produced were quite crude, but now the costs have come down, the quality, speed and accuracy has improved considerably.

 

Personally, I own a custom made medical device that I use made by such a technique.

 

It is known in the 'business' by the acronym M.A.D. or M.R.D. and if anyone can tell me what the device is and what it does they will win a set of highly desirable Cyclezee torque plates;)

I have some experience of 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping from my previous career in Maxillo Facial Technology.

 

It was quite amazing to see the data from a CT or MRI scan turn into a solid 3 dimensional model.

 

Only a few years ago it was very Tomorrows World, very expensive and objects produced were quite crude, but now the costs have come down, the quality, speed and accuracy has improved considerably.

 

Personally, I own a custom made medical device that I use made by such a technique.

 

It is known in the 'business' by the acronym M.A.D. or M.R.D. and if anyone can tell me what the device is and what it does they will win a set of highly desirable Cyclezee torque plates;)

 

A complete stab in the dark this: Mandibular advancement device ? They were the first words that came into my head. I've no idea why. And for some reason, I think they are used to treat sleep apnea.

I have some experience of 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping from my previous career in Maxillo Facial Technology.

 

It was quite amazing to see the data from a CT or MRI scan turn into a solid 3 dimensional model.

 

Only a few years ago it was very Tomorrows World, very expensive and objects produced were quite crude, but now the costs have come down, the quality, speed and accuracy has improved considerably.

 

Personally, I own a custom made medical device that I use made by such a technique.

 

It is known in the 'business' by the acronym M.A.D. or M.R.D. and if anyone can tell me what the device is and what it does they will win a set of highly desirable Cyclezee torque plates;)

 

Oh, do you mean a Mandibular Advancement Device, aka a Mandibular Repositioning Device? Designed to bring the tongue and jaw forward to increase the airway space, and prevent airway obstruction due to sleep apnea.

 

That'll be a Menacingly Awkward Device, also known as a Mean Ass Drongo in Orsetrailiar

I've already got a HDCTP, thanks John.

The wife's happy with ours

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Moderator! MODERATOR!

Please move this post to the thread on saddles where it belongs!

A complete stab in the dark this: Mandibular advancement device ? They were the first words that came into my head. I've no idea why. And for some reason, I think they are used to treat sleep apnea.

 

Well blow me, that was quick Tillson:eek: Good guess, educated guess or insider knowledge:p

 

P.M. you address I will send you a set of torque plates. They could also be used as a Mandibular advancement device following a bit of minor Oral Surgery:eek:

My dentist tells me that it is now possible to scan the inside of a person's mouth rather than take dental impressions. They send the result by email to Switzerland where the denture base is made, this comes back to the dental mechanic who fits the teeth.

Apparently a near perfect fit is obtained.

Problem is that the scanner alone costs £48,000

 

A near perfect fit is not good enough, even though you first need to provide the perfectly made £48,000 notes before even considering going ahead with it.

 

MS.

Oh, do you mean a Mandibular Advancement Device, aka a Mandibular Repositioning Device? Designed to bring the tongue and jaw forward to increase the airway space, and prevent airway obstruction due to sleep apnea.

 

That'll be a Menacingly Awkward Device, also known as a Mean Ass Drongo in Orsetrailiar

I've already got a HDCTP, thanks John.

The first part of your answer can be correct if patient selection is inappropriate or the device is poorly designed, but they can are a life saver for many people and not just the sleep apnea sufferer.

A near perfect fit is not good enough, even though you first need to provide the perfectly made £48,000 notes before even considering going ahead with it.

 

MS.

 

Soft tissue scanning has not yet been perfected so a good impression is still required to make an accurately fitting denture baseplate, the problem is good impressions are as rare as hen's teeth:rolleyes:

 

When it comes to 'hard tissue' scanning, be it bone or teeth the results are very accurate and reliable, so for dental implants, crown and bridges it works well.

Soft tissue scanning has not yet been perfected so a good impression is still required to make an accurately fitting denture baseplate, the problem is good impressions are as rare as hen's teeth:rolleyes:

 

When it comes to 'hard tissue' scanning, be it bone or teeth the results are very accurate and reliable, so for dental implants, crown and bridges it works well.

 

John are you saying me that you've actually had this procedure done ? :o:rolleyes:

 

MS.

John are you saying me that you've actually had this procedure done ? :o:rolleyes:

 

MS.

 

Hi MS,

 

Not sure which procedure you are referring to, but I wasn't the patient;)

 

I was however a guinea pig / volunteer for an excellent clinically proven French CADCAM made device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea which was and I believe still is superior to those we were providing when I worked for the NHS.

 

I spent several years trying to persuade clinicians and managers that these devices although initially more expensive would be more effective, save clinical, patient time, ultimately be cost effective and most importantly save lives. Finally I tired of banging my head against a brick wall.

 

Sorry to the OP if I am going off on one, but this thread has brought it all back to me.

 

What people don't always understand is that obstructive sleep apnea is not just dangerous to the sufferer. Just imagine a truck driver with OSA who doesn't get enough sleep because of his condition falling asleep at the wheel, there are many recorded incidents like this which often end with at least one fatality.

 

Unfortunately, all too often the condition is not diagnosed or treated before it is too late.

 

Another worrying aspect is that some drivers will not report their condition to the DVLC and insurance company for fear of losing their licence and insurance cover.

 

Just a thought, maybe I should start a thread on the topic of Maxillo Facial Technology and related subjects in the The Charging Post, might make a change from electronic cigarettes although unlikely to be so popular.

My friend John, what you've just mentioned is very serious stuff and for you also to take part in such risk taking tests tells me that you are a very brave and courageous man. Now, how cool is that, I thought of you being mechanical and electrical but now I look at you as being a true human.

 

MS.

I have been dabbling with Autodesks 123D printing software which uses photos to create a 3d design that you can view or 3d print.

 

Here is a link to one I did. (if the link works)

Lexmark T640 3D Model Made with 123D Catch Online

 

Use the 123catch online app the app to see the model in all its glory http://apps.123dapp.com/catch/

Edited October 26, 201312 yr by Ettica

My friend John, what you've just mentioned is very serious stuff and for you also to take part in such risk taking tests tells me that you are a very brave and courageous man. Now, how cool is that, I thought of you being mechanical and electrical but now I look at you as being a true human.

 

MS.

My friend MS, nice to have friends;)

 

Sorry to dissapoint you, but I am by no stretch of the imagination brave and I am also averse to physical pain.............unless there is an element of pleasure attached to it:eek:, yes I am human;)

Well blow me, that was quick Tillson:eek: Good guess, educated guess or insider knowledge:p

 

P.M. you address I will send you a set of torque plates. They could also be used as a Mandibular advancement device following a bit of minor Oral Surgery:eek:

 

I thought I'd ticked the No Publicity box.

 

I don't really know what I'd do with a torque plate, so I'll pass on the kind offer.

 

Thanks Tom.

the problem is good impressions are as rare as hen's teeth:rolleyes:

 

I've always made a good impression in past job interviews.