Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I've almost gotten a 3D printer several times, but just don't have room or time for it right now. Its been a close call a couple of times.... Had to remind myself of why I don't "Need" one :)
I think a 3D printer is amazing technology. As with new technology they will probably get bigger and better. I think I'll wait until they are big enough to print out a boat or car. It blows me away that someone could think it up and actually get it to work. He must have been a Trekkie that was really impressed by the Replicator.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688 Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound
I could see where there could be many applications for reverse engineering components using a 3D printer. However, one must carefully consider what components would be suitable for making up with a 3D printer as the materials that are right now commonly utilized by consumers for 3D printing may be of reduced strength compared to OEM or equivalent purchased replacements.. For example, there are components onboard that are made out of composite plastic or metals/alloys where strength and durability are important factors. The traveler sheaves may be okay but a mast sheave, would probably not be a good idea to replicate unless the strength/characteristics of the materials utilized in the 3D printer are well documented. Perhaps a good use of a 3D printer would be for small storage bins, etc where you could customize exactly what configuration/fit you desire.
3-D technology is amazing, however the materials that can be used for "printing" are not really designed for ruggedized applications. For prototype use, and for basic, low impact/disposable use applications the materials are ready for prime-time. They are improving, however, and I would expect that in as few as 10 years high mix/low volume truly industrial parts will be produced via most 3-D printers. For now, there are a few very high cost systems (printers and materials) that are close to being able to produce ruggedized, so for the rest of us just enjoy dreaming of, and playing with the current generation printers.
Peter Bigelow C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick Rowayton, Ct Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.