1

I’ve heard things like tooling, molds, and prosthetics. I know people have started to do that on some machines already, but with our community constantly printing parts here I was wondering what else you had in mind?

1 Like
2

That’s not really hard is it?

I basically print anything that comes up in my mind and for which the materials available are suitable. And, of course, provided I can find the time to design them.

So far this includes: Toys for my son, household items like tootbrush holders, shower shelfs, towel racks, towel bars, cup holders, boxes, phone & tabletstands, smarthphone holsters, cable clamps, paper and bag clips, hooks, casings, covers, stands etc.

3

Hi,

Thank you for your answer! My apologies I should have been more clear when I say functional parts, I mean for the industrial user. I know there are a lot of limitations for them currently with the speed and strength aspect for parts. I was just curious as to see what they thought they could achieve with 3D printing if these parts weren’t limited by those mechanical properties.

4

Thanks for the clarification.

However, it does not really matter.

Whatever material you choose, be it a cheap form of plastic of a high-strength type of steel or titanium alloy, you ALWAYS design functional parts with a certain material AND method of production in mind. Combined, these determine what is and what is not possible.

3D printing in this sense is no different. I have designed and printed lots of replacements for all kinds of applications using 3D printing. And yes, often the replacement parts is shaped different to overcome printing limitations. But just as often, the final result works just as well.