Quote: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.

 

Most of the software available for 3D printing is free and easy to use.  The Raspberry Pi is a great learning tool, especially for those not familiar with Linux or programming.  I happen to have a few of them.  One of the projects that I'm considering doing involving 3D printing as well as a Raspberry Pi is a mini NES game system for my grandson.  I am trying to teach him (when I can) how to do this stuff.

 

Quote:Sounds like the ABS would be the go to material for most stuff. Very informative post, and I thank you. But your post also shows just how little I know about it. Sounds like I need to do some research.


I heard some where that there was a concern, or perhaps it's been done, that people might build guns with the printers. Obviously, these would not get picked up by metal detectors. Although the rounds might, idk. Would a gun made out of these materials even be strong enoug to hold up to use? Not that I would use it for that, I'm sure it wouldn't be safe and highly illegal, but I guess I'm just curios as to its capabilities. After all, with very cool new technology, app, or service there seems to be many news stories following them with the sickos of the world using them for unintended purposes or for illegal activities.

 

There have been successful builds of firearms as well as other weapons using a 3D printer.  As far as firearms, they won't hold up and would be extremely dangerous.  However, just last night I did print out a knife that while it's just plastic, it can be deadly.  It certainly won't cut very well, but it is strong enough to penetrate a human and could be used for stabbing.  That being said, in prisons prisoners have used filed toothbrushes as weapons.

 

At the consumer level at this point, it's becoming affordable enough to have a machine that can make not only cool things, but useful things.  I work with electronics quite a bit, and I managed to design a storage system that I plan to print out in the future to hold small parts (king of like the plastic storage bins that you see for small screws at Home Depot or Lowes).  As I stated above, for something like this I am planning to use PLA since I don't have the requirements of the durability of ABS.  At least if I make a mistake, it's biodegradable and doesn't harm the environment (and no I am not a "tree hugger").

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