3 ms·
Good concept, poor demo example. That was something that would have been better-faster-cheaper on a SRP (subtractive rapid prototyping) system (like a Sherline
by stan_rogers 16y ago
Good concept, poor demo example. That was something that would have been better-faster-cheaper on a SRP (subtractive rapid prototyping) system (like a Sherline mini-mill with a 4-axis setup and a CNC kit, at about the same price as this printer). You can even do one-offs in the destination material (assuming the material is machinable) with a low-speed SRP and with less chasing and finishing work to do. There are things that ARPs (3D printers) can do that SRPs can't; they should have demoed something with internal structure that can't be machined in one piece.
- aarongough 16y agoThe threading on the container and it's lid is not something that would be easy to do on a 3 axis mill. I think it does show off the advantages to an extent, but something else (like their ball-bearing example) may be a better front-page example.
- stan_rogers 16y agoIt's not something that would be particularly difficult on a mill (and remember I said a 4-axis machine; the fourth axis is a horizontal rotisserie-type armature), provided that the thread is stopped before the join points. The internal thread only seems difficult; the right tool bit can easily cut UNC-type internal threads to a bit-length-limited depth, and a keyhole-type bit would provide the thread-end relief. The external can be cut with a standard round-point 60-degree bit, as long as you don't try to cut threads all the way to the shoulder (a flat groove between the thread end and the shoulder wouldn't harm functionality -- and would be a good place to stick an o-ring if the bottle is supposed to hold liquids).