Still waiting on the next gen of printers to pop out. I already have the money set aside, I'm willing to spend more than $3000, but preferably not much higher than that.
Maybe I should bypass the 3D Printer and get a personal CNC Mill first, idk...
I was about to drop the cash on a Glacier Summit (specs below) but after reading up on the return policy and support for the $7000 printer that was discounted down to $4000, I simply just had to pass. There was no refunds after like 30 days, and to return it you had to spend $1000.
http://indimension3.com/public/uplo...1.FgpG.Glacier-Summit-Technical-Specifica.pdf
What could have potentially been a great printer was ruined by the policies of the company itself.
The MakerBot Z18 doesn't look too bad, but I would have preferred the print volume offered by the Glacier Summit (16”L x 16”W x 18”H). Regardless, the Z18 is out of my price range. I might jump on it if they reduce the price down to about $4K, but until then, I'll pass.
I learned on a Dimension 1200ST with a build volume of 10x10x12-in, and maybe I'm a bit spoiled from it which is why I think that the Makerbot 2X's build volume of 9.7 x 6.0 x 6.1 in is just pathetic. I'd take a personal printer with the volume the Dimension had, but I still didn't consider it to be large enough.
I want to make helmets without slicing. To me, your results would be more accurate if you didn't slice the model, but then again....
I guess that if you aren't planning on using HIPS filament, then you wont be printing out support material, so you would have to worry about sagging and warping as you print the model. Maybe it's better to go with a sliced method, idk. I'm just worried about getting the slices to meet up flush with one another. We all know that our 3D-prints have a texture to them, they are not perfectly smooth, which I would imagine would give you nasty seams when trying to glue slices together.
Would you all care to share your thoughts or opinions?
On another topic, and it totally doesn't have anything to do with 3D-Printing, but I have a feeling that if you haven't already seen it, you might love this:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/electroninks/circuit-scribe-draw-circuits-instantly
I might have my degree in mechanical, but I minored in electrical engineering, and that looks awesome!
If I had the money, I would totally buy some kits to take to elementary schools (maybe middle schools instead) and give the kids demos of that product which I think is a great way to make learning circuits to be a really fun and interactive experience.
If I had even more money, rather than showing it off, I would donate some kits to all the primary schools in my area. Gotta support STEM education!!!
