I'm looking into easy fixture solutions and was thinking about 3D printed fixtures. Would that be possible. I'm wondering if I could make some fixture arms, or even some standoffs, or if needed some complex fixtures. That being said, what filament would work well for both precision and accuracy as well as durability. PLA and ABS look like good candidates. Or am I wasting my time?
Hi, I am new to CMMs but have been using 3D printers since 2005. Worked at a Stratasys re-seller for 11 years. In 2012 we played with hobbyist options and it was brutal. I swore never to buy one, what pain they were to use. Now, you can print things with minimal fuss if you get a reputable printer. When I saw the price of CMM fixture I just ordered the Prusa i3 I always wanted.
I recommend the Original Prusa i3 kit for $750. Build it, then you will know how to fix it. It will break and loosen up if you use it so might as well know why and how it goes together.
If you have 3K to spend look at the Ultimaker. Downright near professional.
I personally would not spend 30K on a printer these days. The filaments for high end printers are also 10X more expensive than excellent consumer quality filaments - and you have a huge choice. I recommend Prusament PLA filaments, they print with zero fuss.. Its so easy to print and super stable. I have 7 year old PLA prints that are still perfect - they just need to be indoors. No need for fancy materials for CMM fixtures. PLA is really stiff too. Downright perfect.
Here is a link to the pics I have taken of the projects I have done on it. Its so awesome. I highly recommend one.
Hi, I am new to CMMs but have been using 3D printers since 2005. Worked at a Stratasys re-seller for 11 years. In 2012 we played with hobbyist options and it was brutal. I swore never to buy one, what pain they were to use. Now, you can print things with minimal fuss if you get a reputable printer. When I saw the price of CMM fixture I just ordered the Prusa i3 I always wanted.
I recommend the Original Prusa i3 kit for $750. Build it, then you will know how to fix it. It will break and loosen up if you use it so might as well know why and how it goes together.
If you have 3K to spend look at the Ultimaker. Downright near professional.
I personally would not spend 30K on a printer these days. The filaments for high end printers are also 10X more expensive than excellent consumer quality filaments - and you have a huge choice. I recommend Prusament PLA filaments, they print with zero fuss.. Its so easy to print and super stable. I have 7 year old PLA prints that are still perfect - they just need to be indoors. No need for fancy materials for CMM fixtures. PLA is really stiff too. Downright perfect.
Here is a link to the pics I have taken of the projects I have done on it. Its so awesome. I highly recommend one.
