Results 11 to 20 of 21
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11-12-2013, 11:24 AM #11
- Join Date
- Sep 2013
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- Saskatchewan, Canada
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- 294
There are a hell of a lot of patents regarding SLS, most of which are active for quite a while yet.
I believe some patent on SLS from the University of Texas expires in 2014 or end of 2013 or sometime, but I can't seem to find anyone specifying what exact patent is being talked about. Of the 3 patents U of T got in 1994, I believe they're talking about #5,296,062 "Multiple Material Systems For Selective Beam Sintering".
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11-15-2013, 01:53 AM #12
Not what you are after - But cool; You can print in solder. That's metal! 3mm 0.4 +> extruder.
http://hackaday.com/2013/11/07/3d-pr...metal-at-home/
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11-18-2013, 12:46 PM #13
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Ireland
- Posts
- 11
presenting the mini metal maker!!!
It's build volume is small(6cm*6cm*6cm) but a great idea none the less.
it can be purchased assembled and with some clay included for $1000. Only 9 of those left on the campaign.
you need to print the object then fire it in a kiln at 600˚C-900˚C.
Looks really cool but I'll probably hold off on getting one. really want to make richraps 3dr first.
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11-18-2013, 05:09 PM #14
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Posts
- 2
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11-24-2013, 08:43 PM #15
There are many folders and document on RepRap.org community site about SLS and metal printing. But I think because SLS partens will actually expire and be available as open source in 2014, they are not offical RepRaps for now. Please correct me if I am wrong.
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12-30-2013, 03:18 PM #16
Hmmm... interesting challenge. Since the RepRap is an Open Hardware platform, there is a feasablility to this idea.
You would have to select your metal ahead of time, and build the printer to the material.
- The metal should be easy to get in wire form (your filament).
- I'd replace the hobbed bolt, in the extruder, with rubbered feed wheels.
- You would probably want to built a ceramic hotend and nozzle.
- Heat control would be critical. You want it just hot enough that the metal starts to ooze, not fully liquified.
- Ceramic print surface.
Lots of other considerations... still, it would be interesting to see someone try this.
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12-30-2013, 06:33 PM #17
I lost the link, however, a few months ago, there was a website selling kits for a laser for around 150 bucks. If you look at some of the sites such as hackaday, you should be able to find a hack for those laser pointer pens to make them start fires/cut items. From what I remember, the hack is from removing the laser diode from old dvd burners. I believe that the main issue is the amount of infrared light that they emit. The following is a link for a diy laser cutter... It should be possible to use this to sinter iron powder. http://hackaday.com/2013/12/20/diy-laser-cutter/ I do not see a reason why we cant use this for SLS. We may have to use a different lens perhaps to improve the output.
In a few months, I plan on attempting this hack for the same reasons. If no one beats me to it, I plan on document my work. I cannot guarantee any of the patent availability.
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12-31-2013, 01:28 PM #18
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01-06-2014, 07:25 AM #19
- Join Date
- Sep 2013
- Posts
- 56
Wow, $150 for the laser seems like a decent deal. You would think more companies would make lasers for this. I'm sure it is just a matter of time.
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01-06-2014, 08:13 AM #20
- Join Date
- Sep 2013
- Location
- Saskatchewan, Canada
- Posts
- 294
New member with print issue
06-11-2024, 08:57 AM in Tips, Tricks and Tech Help