I'm toying with buying a 3D printer.
More to the point, I'm considering offering a 3D printing service to CPF.
For those that have no idea what I'm talking about, go spend a few hours watching videos on youtube.
It's just an idea right now, but here's what I'm thinking.
Many of you will know me from the aspheric lenses I sell, and my approach here is fairly similar. I wanted a lens of my own design for entirely selfish reasons, so I spent a few thousand dollars and over 3 years you guys have slowly bought my excess so that I broke even. If I don't count the 100 trips to the post office, I like to tell myself that the lenses I have left didn't cost me anything!
Now I want to own a 3D printer for myself, because I'm always wanting to make little brackets, clamps and battery boxes etc (remember I'm more into headlamps and bike lights than regular all-metal flashlights). I'm just wondering how many other people would be interested in getting little bits and pieces made? Is it worth me putting an extra $1000 or so into a better machine if it would pay itself off over a few years?
This is how I reckon it could work (very open to suggestions):
- I buy the printer, spend a while setting it up and start showing off what it can do.
- We agree on a standard format (STL most likely) and you each go download one of the free CAD programs that can export it.
- You design the part you want and send the file to me along with a paypal payment.
- I get the email, have a quick look at it to make sure it's all ok and set it to print.
- I post it to you.
The cost: I'm thinking something $25 per order + $0.1 per gram of plastic. I think that would allow me to slowly pay off and maintain the machine but would still be a bargain for someone who wants a just 4 or 5 little plastic brackets for something. This price would include postage.
What's in it for me?
1. No real financial profit.
2. I get to own a 3D printer. If you don't think that's cool then we can't be friends.
3. I get a copy all the clever and inventive things you guys make.
4. I enjoy contributing something to community that has given me heaps.
I'm asking in this forum because I think that this is where the diy-hackers hang out.
I imagine that this won't interest the guys with CNC mills, but most people aren't in that category.
Let me know what you think.
Show me pictures of what you imagine making.