Alternatives to 3d printing - Project Guidance

I appreciate all the wonderful suggestions; however, my preference leans towards processes that yield final products directly, without the need for assembly like gluing sides of a box. For instance, plastic injection comes to mind, yet it remains beyond the budget for most individuals.

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wvmarle:
Among various manufacturing methods, 3D printing and CNC machining present some of the most cost-effective solutions for one-off projects.

To glue pieces of plexiglass together might be the next affordable route...

Is it possible to achieve the desired height using CNC? I believe CNC could be the solution for creating the sides of the box; however, I would still need to glue them together.

Bringamosa:
Overview ' Products ' Velleman ' Wholesaler and developer of electronics

Several online platforms offer 3D printing, allowing you to send them your files if you need specific dimensions.

This might just be the solution. I should check if they can meet the precise measurements I require.

Rapid liquid printing emerges as a promising alternate to standard 3D printing methods, boasting faster production rates and greater durability. Skylar Tibbits, co-director of the Self-Assembly Lab at MIT, outlines the advantages and prospective uses in architecture and construction.

What defines rapid liquid printing?

This innovative manufacturing method, created by MIT alongside US furniture producer Steelcase, utilizes a prototype machine to draw three-dimensional objects. It achieves this by extruding a material compound through a computer-controlled nozzle into a supportive gel, facilitating the swift creation of large-scale, freeform items like furniture.

How does its speed compare to traditional methods?

The speed varies based on the object's complexity; however, our technique typically takes seconds to minutes, contrasting the minutes to hours required for conventional 3D printing. For instance, a part that took 10 minutes to print would have traditionally needed 50 hours.

This approach employs a fast-setting compound set within a gel, enabling swift printing strokes that solidify rapidly without gravitational interference. Conventional printers layer materials, leading to longer print durations.

What is the largest object produced, and could the system accommodate greater sizes?

The largest item we've printed is a coffee table top for Steelcase, crafted within a meter-diameter tank during a demonstration at the Milan Furniture Fair.

While this technology is mainly suited for large-scale printed objects, including furniture and components for the automotive and aerospace sectors, it can also be used for smaller designs with intricate details, albeit at a slower rate.

What contributes to its strength?

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Objects produced from this technique consist of continuous material, as opposed to numerous layers that often introduce structural weaknesses when fused. We've utilized high-quality materials such as plastic, foam, and rubber in our prints.

What are the current limitations of this technology?

At present, the primary limitation concerns the production of super-fine, high-resolution features, as we are currently prioritizing speed and scale over feature detail. Future developments may allow for multiple nozzles or layers to achieve a combination of small, high-resolution features and larger designs.

Ultimately, any line or pattern within a 3D space can be achieved with this method.

The objects produced seem to lack flat, planar surfaces—is this a challenge?

The printed parts exhibit fluid-like aesthetics, characterized by smooth contours, rounded edges, and sleek surfaces, as they resemble a liquid suspended in space and cured without gravity's influence or build plates. So far, we've chosen to embrace this design characteristic rather than compel it to conform to the appearance of conventional 3D printed items.

What inspired the inception of this technology?

The journey began with the question: How can we print a furniture-scale object in mere minutes? This inquiry provoked a major reevaluation of printing processes, striving to overcome restrictions related to scale, speed, material properties, and the layer-by-layer method.

What could be the broader applications in architecture and construction?

This methodology holds potential for various industries seeking to produce large parts quickly while utilizing high-quality materials. It may not be ideal for constructing buildings, which would demand massive gel tanks, but it could readily serve customized architectural components.

Is it feasible to create hybrid components with multiple materials?

Absolutely, this system could facilitate the printing of components utilizing diverse materials, resolutions, and nozzle specifications. This versatility is currently undergoing development.

Are there plans for a commercial system and an anticipated release date?

The research spans the past six months, focusing on further exploration of materials, speeds, scales, and applications.

Objects are formed of continuous material, rather than a series of layers that typically cause structural weaknesses when printed and fused together. We have printed using regular high quality materials, like plastic, foam and rubber.' Skylar Tibbits, Self-Assembly Lab

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