[mtripoli]

Let me clarify my statement about recycling. With 99% of the plastic used in the USA (I say 99% because I'm sure some parts are not marked) there is an identifier on the plastic that says what it is and how it is to be recycled such as milk jugs, soda bottles, toys, etc. "Plastic parts" made by the SLA process don't get thrown in the recycle bin and back through the cycle.

If the cost of these "paper" models is low enough, I could see kids using them for school projects and such. Anything that gets kids thinking in 3D and creating I'm all for.

[Polyxo]

Z-corp color printing has been around for some time now... I was expected something really new after all this time, but they just made one with a bigger size printing, so no new tech (full color models) for now... future will tell... /

Well, getting this task done...
Creating full colour models without visible seams, but with material-mix, transparency and zdepth (not for sanding why? - but for layered effects and simple sss)
and doing this at reasonable speed in useful sizes and of with materials which don't cost a fortune...

This would really equal a license to print money right away

I dare to say that this will still take a very long time to happen - if ever - at least at affordable rates.

[Hervé]

Don't take me wrong, I think that machine is best bet for now... Z-corp is already loosing...

I think Z-corp has made a lot of moni selling color printers.. now they will slowly loose advantage if they don't wake up,,, Objet and Stratasys have now merged, and their 3D printers are soo good..

I will mail Mcor and ask for more info, and maybe a test...

h/

ps... well yes, the perfect printer will come in one of these days... but in 15 years.... maybe...

[mtripoli]

I don't think it's 15 years off. The folks working on these have come a long way since the first machines, both in quality and price. My first SLA was for a remote control toy car. The body shell cost $3000.00! It was a project for Mattel so they paid. I think if I were to do this same part today it would be in the $150.00 range. If you tool around Youtube you'll see some really amazing stuff. The whole rapid prototype/manufacture field is fascinating to me.

[JDHill]

I agree that things have been moving along at a good clip. We have reached the point where printed outputs require no hand-work to be directly used as prototypes, even where they have very smooth and/or very small features; I molded what should be my last wax sculpture last year (I recall that you know Steve K, who is the only client for whom I still do this type of work -- he's moved almost exclusively to digital over the last few years). The time and cost involved in printing a high-quality digital sculpt still does justify traditional RTV/urethane prototypes, but that won't be the case for long. Color printing is another thing though, and it depends on the application; for prototypes going to photography, I have yet to see signs of any technology that will beat a good painter.

[Hervé]

well yes very fascinating..

btw, I was answering Polyxo about the perfect machinery..

big prints (1m and more)
ultra high def
millions Colors
strong
multi mat.
cheap running expenses and materials

this might take at least 10 years..

I have mailed Mcor, I do have multi questions..

3D printing is here for years,... but right now, the real start.... starts.. me think..

[mtripoli]

Color? http://cubify.com/cubex/index.aspx?tb_cubex_learn

http://www.3dprinter.net/