While the idea that 3D printing produces significantly more waste than other kinds of plastic processing has been debunked—it's actually the other way around—that doesn't mean people should be complacent about the amount of waste they produce. Waste production paired with the rising costs of raw 3D print filament should be enough to get people to look to other methods of acquiring material for their 3D prints, specifically the idea of recycling. Tom and Tracy Hazzard take … [Read more...]
3D Printing with Flexible Materials
The standard for 3D print filaments at present is hard, inflexible, processed plastic, but imagine the possibilities with more textures and feels going forward. Flexible material filaments are now beginning to hit the market, and there's so much work to be done. Tom and Tracy Hazzard discuss the Italian company that's making waves with their flexible 3D printing material, FeelColor. This company, while not yet selling in the United States, is sure to set the market ablaze by … [Read more...]
Maintenance Tips for Consistent Material Flow
Consistent material flow is one of the most common issues with getting consistent 3D prints, and we have some real practical suggestions and an overview of several things that can affect your print quality. What can you do to maintain that? It’s tough because there are so many variables that it is sometimes hard to identify what it is. If you have material flow that is too low, you end up with little gaps around the perimeter of your part. I would say consistent material flow is one of the … [Read more...]
Advancements in Support
We have gotten a lot of positive feedback about Tech Tuesday. Yes, a lot of comments, some controversial. But mostly positive. We have been hearing from people who are highly technically capable already like Vicky Somma. I know we talk about her a lot, but the people who communicate with us the most get talked about the most. She has said a couple times to us over Twitter that she loves Tech Tuesdays. I am thrilled about that because sometimes I think she knows more than we do in certain aspects … [Read more...]
Is 3D printing filament safe to use in the home?
Since the explosion of the desktop 3D printing industry, plastic in the form of 3D printing filament is being melted and formed into physical objects in people’s homes at an increasing rate. In fact, today 3D printing materials and printers are being placed in homes and educational institutions more than businesses. The community of Montclair, NJ has installed MakerBot 3D printers in every school in their district, from elementary schools all the way up through to the college level. This is a … [Read more...]
Misconceptions About 3D Print Filament Costs
Whenever I walk through the printer ink cartridge aisle at Costco, I always hear complaints and grumbling about the ridiculously high cost of ink. “It costs $80 for black ink!” The reaction to the $50 roll of 3D Print filament costs are the same. However, thinking that 3D printer filament is similar to these consumables for your paper printer is the most common misconception about 3D printing. 3D Print Filament Costs The real analysis of the cost of 3D Printing is not in the filament but … [Read more...]