Quote:Right now I've been experimenting with ABS which is a similar plastic used for a lot of things (toys, parts for things, etc.).  As shipped from the factory, ABS and PLA are the supported types of material.  By adding a few different parts, it's possible to print wood based, metal based, carbon fiber based or several other materials.  Now keep in mind, the different materials are still mostly plastic, but embedded with said materials.  There is a "rubbery" kind of material that can be bought that can be used to make say a cell phone "jacket".

 

So far the machine has been useful to me in a productive way.  Our refrigerator had a part that was broken which involved a "flapper" that closes and seals the door (dual door refrigerator).  I drew up a new part after measuring the pieces of the old part, and it's "good as new" once again.

 

My grandson LOVES legos and really wanted one of the "things" available in a lego kit.  I managed to make one for him, though it isn't perfect (yet).

 

The default materials supported have their pro's and con's.

 

ABS - It is much stronger and can withstand heat pretty good.  Imagine making a cell phone holder for your car and having it sit in the heat during the day.  The downside is that it's not really "environmentally friendly".

 

PLA - It's a little less expensive to buy the material and is "environmentally friendly" in that it's biodegradable.  The downsides to it vs. ABS is that it's not as strong and can't withstand heat as much.  Per my example about a cell phone holder for your car, it will melt in the heat of the day if left in your car.  That being said, the material is still useful for other things.

 

Now for me personally, I'm not as concerned about a material being "environmentally friendly", but if there is a better alternative available that is environmentally friendly then I will most certainly use it.

I'm going to end up with one of these things at some point.  Which means I'm going to have to learn how to use autocad or something similar at some point :/   I'm already messing with a damn raspberri pi and building an arcade, and working rubix cube ottomon for my living room/couch.  I have too many projects and not enough money haha.

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