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Post by tony on Sept 28, 2018 12:50:09 GMT -8
HP recently showed off the new metal 3D printer. See more here - Metal Jet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agMrcqkHnPc&feature=youtu.be) It uses a metal powder, fused together during the printing process and then goes into a sinter process to make it a solid. I'm very curious to know what the weight and strength is compared to diecast parts - such as a locomotive frame. |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Sept 28, 2018 16:30:38 GMT -8
I fooled around and found one reference to a machine that may be available in 2020 for ~$400,000
Interesting concept and I’m sure the hobby industry is one that surely is interested in some degree.
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Post by tony on Sept 28, 2018 16:54:57 GMT -8
I watched the HP presentation and I think they mentioned the Metal Jet starting at $399,000.00 - HP is hitting the areas with the most rapid early adoption vertical markets. The one factory photo of 16 HP Jet Fusion machines I think belongs to BMW auto manufacturing. I think Stephen mentioned it has grown to 24 machines. That's almost a $10M printer room. Small investment for BMW. Toys and Hobbies doesn't rank too high for HP. But Shapeways purchased one of HP Jet Fusion machines and I believe they are or will soon have model railroad parts coming from it.
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Post by valenciajim on Sept 28, 2018 18:39:46 GMT -8
Well if you consider the financial allegory to Moore's Law, the cost of these printers will be considerable lower ten years from now. The way things, including model trains, are manufactured will be a lot different as a result.
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Post by bdhicks on Sept 28, 2018 23:44:06 GMT -8
Your best bet to using one of these anytime soon is Shapeways or some other 3d printing service buying one. The operating principle sounds similar to the steel 3d prints Shapeways already offers, though that one sounds unsuitable for stuff like frames because the print is likely to deform somewhat before getting fired into its final state. If this new process can fix that it may be useful, though likely expensive.
I have tried a print from the HP Jet Fusion machines Shapeways has. The overall print quality did not seem much better than their strong and flexible, and for detail parts I'd stick with the frosted ultra/extreme detail materials.
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