Any experiance using 3-d printers for parts?

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by David Herbert

It is also possible to 3D print a pattern (from which to cast a metal part) in wax. This is then used in a lost wax casting process where a ceramic coating is used to cover the wax which is then melted out and the metal poured in. No 'draw' or loose cores required and almost any shape is possible with hardly any more effort. 3D printing in wax is about the lowest tech form of 3D printing as temperatures and pressures are obviously much lower than in PVC and in a different world to 3D printing in any metal.

David

I would echo this concept. My understanding of hobby and low-end 3D printers is the limitation is the medium. What I've seen lay down some heat based plastic compound. I have some hunter safety education dummy rounds for example, but they are no comparison to John's example of aerospace parts.

However, if you had a laser scanned file of the original piece, it could be laid down in casting wax. With your complex shape literally in-hand, you could make a metal casting.