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I'm surprised that hobbyists building their own printer aren't going for the patented laser methods that actually make high quality parts. Surely you can make y
by Asbostos 11y ago
I'm surprised that hobbyists building their own printer aren't going for the patented laser methods that actually make high quality parts. Surely you can make your own copy of a patented item, just not sell it. Even if you're not allowed to, nobody's going to know.
- moron4hire 11y agoHobbyists mostly build from kits, so the kits would be restricted by the patents.
- serge2k 11y agoIt's complicated and much more dangerous. 3d printer you need to be careful (it's hot) and probably want to get a solution for exhaust (smells and particulate). Laser sintering you have lasers melting metal particulate to form the piece. That goes wrong you end up with nasty consequences.
- moron4hire 11y agoI will say this: unless you have a lot of experience and really know what you're doing, start with laser-based systems (laser cutters, laser sinterers, etc) over a CNC router/mill. The failure mode is much more catastrophic with high-speed rotating parts. Worse thing that can happen with a laser is you start a small fire--startling for sure, but pretty easy to handle. Worst thing that can happen with a CNC mill: the milling head shatters and peppers you with high-velocity shrapnel.
- ridgeguy 11y agoNo, we can't use a patented method even if we don't sell stuff we make with it. From the USPTO site: "Patent infringement is the act of making, using, selling, or offering to sell a patented invention... http://www.uspto.gov/patents-maintaining-patent/patent-litigation/about-patent-infringement http://www.uspto.gov/patents-maintaining-patent/patent-litig...