I have been for some time entertaining the idea of getting a 3D printer to print a sample part for testing prior to machining. This typically means that the part needs to have an accurate dimensional quality along with good surface quality. Some for of strength is required, I have had printed parts literally fall apart in my hands, but that several years ago.
I have in the past had a friend print me some parts just for experimentation, but 90% of the time they were useless. Dimensional accuracy was very limited, surface finish was very poor.
I understand to a certain extent this can be improved depending on the settings, but I am seeing some printers claim numbers 25 micron as the smallest interval of size. Is this a readily achievable expectation? Or will it be more timely to set the part up and machine it to check geometry?
Part of the reason I am interested is development scrap. On some occasions I may machine anywhere from 1-10 test pieces for development, altering geometry to refine fit or function. While that scrap is not expensive, the time making it is. However if it takes me 10 hrs to print a part to check dimensions, then it isn't necessarily beneficial, except in circumstances when I am in no hurry to develop a part.
I have considered buying a "cheap" printer to play and learn strengths and weaknesses, but at the same time, I am hesitant to spend money on a cheap printer, rather than put the money towards a good printer.
I have in the past had a friend print me some parts just for experimentation, but 90% of the time they were useless. Dimensional accuracy was very limited, surface finish was very poor.
I understand to a certain extent this can be improved depending on the settings, but I am seeing some printers claim numbers 25 micron as the smallest interval of size. Is this a readily achievable expectation? Or will it be more timely to set the part up and machine it to check geometry?
Part of the reason I am interested is development scrap. On some occasions I may machine anywhere from 1-10 test pieces for development, altering geometry to refine fit or function. While that scrap is not expensive, the time making it is. However if it takes me 10 hrs to print a part to check dimensions, then it isn't necessarily beneficial, except in circumstances when I am in no hurry to develop a part.
I have considered buying a "cheap" printer to play and learn strengths and weaknesses, but at the same time, I am hesitant to spend money on a cheap printer, rather than put the money towards a good printer.