Quote:
Originally Posted by iamjacob
2. some VERY expensive 3d printers can print more than just plastic. The one in the photo is probably plastic though.
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there are 3 main types, extruders which are typical plastic or food. these are very inexpensive and readily available today.
stereolithograph stenciling -- or SLA --, which projects an image onto a vat of epoxy... the uv light in the projected image cures the different areas of the epoxy. this is much more accurate but messy and more expensive. this is what shapeways prints with typically.
the cool **** is whats called selective laser sintering -- called SLS -- it uses a really strong laser to literally weld tiny bits of metal together, layer after layer. this is what spaceX uses to produce rocket engine parts. you can use powders of titanium, aluminum, magnesium... many options. and because of the way it is made, you can create elaborate "impossible" structures that cannot be created any other way that provide ideal strength to weight in ways that you simply cannot do otherwise. the patents on these machines are just running out this year, so the very first consumer SLS machines are becoming available now (around 3 to 5 grand) but next year a bunch of things expire so expect a small consumer grade SLS machine to be around 1500 by the end of next year.
by the end of next year you should be able to pick up a basic consumer 3d printer for around $200