Adrian:
Think back to before we had 3D cad, CNC machines, SLA machines, and all
this technology we use today. Back then I used to build pretty good models
that could be painted and made to look pretty close to what the designer had
in mind. The best part about this Rp technology was it was taught in public
schools and everyone can use it. The material cost is very low, under $5.00
for the average part. Though the models are somewhat delicate they are no
more delicate than say an SLA model.
What is this magic RP technology that costs under $200.00 . Its your own
hands. Anyone can take a lump of clay and build a pretty good representation
in about the same time an average SLA takes to build a part. I went to a
special school to learn my skills (kindergarden). Try it some time you would
be suprised at the results you can achieve. Believe it or not this method is
still used today to design most automobiles.
Though I was one of the pioneers in micro-computers, and CNC machine
tools (I was on the team that built the very first microprocessor controlled
machine tool). I never loose sight of what can be done without all this
technology. Remember the most powerful computer in the world is rack mounted
in between your ears. And it will be a very long time before a little piece
of silica and wires (50 years or so) can even come close to the computing
power of this device.
Bob Morton
Fusion Engineering
<< ----- Original Message -----
From: <ohho@trinidad.net>
To: rapid prototyping <rp-ml@bart.lpt.fi>
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2000 9:43 AM
Subject: hobbiest rp machine?
>
> I realize that this list is geared to commercial use of rp-stuff
> but .....is there such a thing as an rp-machine for 'hobbyist' use ?
> (for ~$200US)it would be cool to be able to make parts for my
> contraptions as easily as hitting print from my favorite drawing
> program.
>
> Adrian
> >>
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
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