1 off 3D model required in UK

[Michael-Little]

I just need it to hold a sponge filter in place for my aquarium and need as much surface area of the sponge unobstructed as possible. I am very interested, I have spoke to Sandwell college about half hour ago, and I can go there and print it for the cost of plastic used, but I will have to pop out of work to do so, so I may be going there Monday however not sure yet. I will defiantly be interested in a price please though.

out of interest what file type will I need to get this printed? just a STL file?

Thanks
Mike

[Roberts_Clif]

You should only need an STL file to have any 3D Printer print the Model.

[Michael-Little]

Thank you Roberts_clif, I've not had any experience with this sort of thing, We only use CAD at our company to design items, make sure they will fit in an assembly and make a 2D drawing for our toolmaker or fabricators. This is an interesting experience that's for sure. Also may use it to show my company the benefits of 3D printing for certain instances.

I have also had a little go with an automated CNC machine, however with that as I'm sure you know more than me we had to basically tell the machine how to machine the item, I thought maybe this would be the same?

[joshdcampbell]

Sure, send me the STL and that'll give me an idea of how much plastic there is. I can't see it being much over a tenner including shipping. If you fillet the corners and edges, that'll make it stronger without obstructing the area (assuming you have access to the original model). In terms of plastic, I have PLA, PETG, ABS and Nylon. Nylon is probably the strongest and best to deal with a wet environment whilst PLA can deform and degrade when in warm and wet environments. So make sure if you do go with the college they don't make it from PLA. Josh

[Roberts_Clif]

PLA will also bleach it's color into fiberglass Shower Inserts as well. Beware of PLA 3D Printed Soap dishes.

IMG_2075.jpg
Could not get a very good picture but you can see the bleached color ring.