Adventures in 3D printing Pachinko Pockets

[browne92]

I'm already looking at more than $40 likely to print the center piece due to the amount of plastic I'd need to keep around for support.

I've wondered about that. While 3D printing is the newest and coolest technology, I figured it wasn't the cheapest.

[infiniteblue]

I've wondered about that. While 3D printing is the newest and coolest technology, I figured it wasn't the cheapest.

I think it's because it's still relatively new and there are few enough companies doing it that prices are still somewhat high. As technology improves and software gets easier to use, I'm sure these prices will start coming down in price.

[browne92]

I think it's because it's still relatively new and there are few enough companies doing it that prices are still somewhat high. As technology improves and software gets easier to use, I'm sure these prices will start coming down in price.

Agreed, as with all technology. I remember when VCR's were $1500 and microwave ovens were $650. But it will have to come down quite a bit before the price of the machine and consumables makes it justifiable in the pachinko world. Consider your center feature. $40 in plastic, plus design and CAD time. I know its for your personal use, but easily worth $100. Not many would put that kind of money for 1 part in a $25 machine.

[infiniteblue]

Agreed, as with all technology. I remember when VCR's were $1500 and microwave ovens were $650. But it will have to come down quite a bit before the price of the machine and consumables makes it justifiable in the pachinko world. Consider your center feature. $40 in plastic, plus design and CAD time. I know its for your personal use, but easily worth $100. Not many would put that kind of money for 1 part in a $25 machine.

Not many, but I thought the pachinko fans were a special breed? XD I primarily wanted something to do with my time, and it's worked out well. Hopefully I can spend a bit more time on it after I move.

[browne92]

Not many, but I thought the pachinko fans were a special breed? XD

I'm doing a lousy job of explaining myself, so I'll give it one last shot.

I am by no means saying you are wasting your time and money on your machine. Believe me, if there is anyone on this planet who knows about putting time and money into a (monetarily) non-deserving project, it's me. Witness the unfinished entertainment center that I could have bought for a tenth of what I've put into it so far. It's your time, your money, and your machine. All limitations are off.

My frustration comes when people believe that 3D printing is the cure all. Take a picture of the piece, so it's in the computer. Press a button, and the printer makes the part, right? And since it's plastic and the computer does 'all' the work, it's cheap, right?

I know all the hours I've spent programming my CNC router. I'll bet 3D printing is no different, even if you have the technology to convert CAD to STL. Just drawing up a part in 3D is no cake walk, especially if it has any complexity to it.

Most folks just see what the media presents to them. Look, the machine makes a part! They never show the work or money or skill put into it before the machine is even turned on.

Enough old man rant. Back to work.

[mxfaiman]

My frustration comes when people believe that 3D printing is the cure all. Take a picture of the piece, so it's in the computer. Press a button, and the printer makes the part, right? And since it's plastic and the computer does 'all' the work, it's cheap, right?

I know all the hours I've spent programming my CNC router. I'll bet 3D printing is no different, even if you have the technology to convert CAD to STL. Just drawing up a part in 3D is no cake walk, especially if it has any complexity to it.

Don't get me started about 3D scanning parts. I have tried 2 ways using 2 different technologies and both are equally hard to do. We have a Next Engine 3D scanner at school (nice unit) but it is a pain to assemble all the scans to make an actual part. I have also tried Autodesk's 123D Catch and that just didn't work for me at all.

Also the hard part isn't converting CAD to STL. It is converting CAD to CAD or STL to CAD because you screwed up or want to change something. I have 3 or 4 extra programs for the sole purpose of converting files. I wait for a day when all CAD programs use the same file type.