What is the best way to create a prototype and then off to final production with the attached litterbox and litter scoop?
I am also interested in purchasing a HOME use large format 3D printer that can print this in our office… It’s quite large. 29 inches on one side.
Or is CNC a better approach? Keep in mind that the depth is 7 inches.
cat litter.STL (560 KB)
cat-shovel-egh.STL (1.92 MB)
Hello Justin!
I had a look at your models and can say a few things about them.
For a one or two off prototype 3d printing will probably be the better option cost-wise since you would have to get a massive block, at least the size of your final part to machine it from. However, for production it would probably be best to machine a mold and injection mold your parts if you plan on producing more than a few of these, since both 3d printing and cnc machining are quite slow processes. In order to further reduce the price of 3d printed prototypes one way would be to split your products in two parts and then reassemble them. This would both reduce the printing time as well as the use of support material. For example, I would print your shovel in two parts, one being the handle and one the showel. This would significantly reduce the amount of support material needed as support otherwise would be needed under the whole handle.
The same would go for the litter box since this would almost completely reduce the need for support material.
For your question about buying a printer this large I can say that you are well outside of the “home”-type of printers and in to the more professional range of printers. I have just finished building my printer which has a build volume of about 765*765*800 mm and it takes up a cubic meter. Even when doing everything myself and having good contacts in the industry that could help me with laser-cutting to very good prices you are looking at a couple of 1000 us dollars. To buy one readymade without the need for assembly the price will be even higher. But if you are interested in buying one, please contact me and I will give you a complete quote.
Good luck with your project!
//Oscar Svensson
Hello. How can I learn more about how you built yours with this volume?
Is it possible to build one that is slightly bigger?
Where are the details on how to build something like this?
Thanks!
